Poem Analysis - Of Our Love For Emptiness

Introduction: Embracing the Void

Rumi's "Of Our Love For Emptiness" is a profound exploration of the relationship between existence and nothingness. The poem begins with praise for emptiness, suggesting it's not a void to be feared but a source of creation and liberation. The tone is initially reverent, shifting towards a sense of release and ultimately a questioning of the very language we use to understand these concepts. The overall feeling is one of seeking transcendence through embracing the ephemeral nature of reality.

The Dance of Existence and Emptiness

One of the central themes in this poem is the cyclical relationship between existence and emptiness. Rumi states, "This place made from our love for that emptiness!" suggesting that existence itself springs from nothingness. This isn't a cause-and-effect relationship but rather a constant interplay. The subsequent lines, "Yet somehow comes emptiness, this existence goes," emphasize the transient nature of reality. It's a continuous dance, a cycle of creation and dissolution. This idea is further reinforced with the phrase, "Praise to that happening, over and over!" indicating acceptance and even celebration of this impermanence.

The Dissolution of Self and Desire

Another significant theme is the shedding of ego and worldly desires as a path to freedom. The lines, "Free of who I was, free of presence, free of dangerous fear, hope, free of mountainous wanting," illustrate a deliberate relinquishing of the self. This is not a destructive process, but a liberating one. By freeing himself from attachments to identity, hope, and desire ("mountainous wanting"), the speaker finds a form of liberation. This theme echoes Sufi beliefs about detaching from the material world to achieve a higher spiritual understanding. This freedom enables one to perceive reality with a clear mind and without the burdens of ambition or dread.

The Meaninglessness of Meaning

The poem culminates in a deconstruction of language and meaning itself. The repetition of words like "existence," "emptiness," "mountain," and "straw" serves to highlight their ultimate inadequacy. The speaker observes, "These words I’m saying so much begin to lose meaning," indicating that language, even poetry, can only point towards, but never fully capture, the essence of reality. The vivid image of words being "swept out the window, down the slant of the roof" symbolizes the ultimate futility of trying to define or contain the infinite within the limits of human language. This could be interpreted as a unique insight, posing a question about whether true understanding lies beyond the realm of words and concepts.

Conclusion: Surrendering to the Flow

Rumi's "Of Our Love For Emptiness" is a powerful meditation on the interconnectedness of existence and nothingness, and the freedom that comes from relinquishing the ego and worldly attachments. By embracing the cyclical nature of reality and questioning the limitations of language, the poem invites us to consider a perspective where true understanding lies in surrendering to the flow of existence, accepting both its presence and its inevitable return to the void. The poem's significance lies in its ability to offer solace and inspire a sense of peace in the face of the unknown, encouraging a deeper connection with the present moment and a letting go of unnecessary burdens.