Poem Analysis - What Was Said To The Rose

Introduction: A Blossom of Gratitude

Rumi's "what was said to the rose" is a vibrant celebration of inspiration and transformative experience. The poem pulses with a sense of wonder and awe, tracing a journey from initial curiosity to profound gratitude. Its tone is initially inquisitive, bordering on yearning, before blossoming into an ecstatic appreciation of the divine. The poem's arc follows the speaker’s gradual recognition of the universal source of beauty and power. The poem concludes with the speaker transformed and filled with love.

The Language of Divine Inspiration

The poem's central theme revolves around the power of divine inspiration and its transformative effect on the individual. Rumi uses a series of vivid images drawn from nature to illustrate this point. He asks what force animates the rose, strengthens the cypress, sweetens the sugarcane, and beautifies the people of Chigil. The speaker suggests that this same force is now acting upon him, causing him to "blush" and opening within him a space for gratitude and love. The poem strongly implies that a connection to this divine source allows one to achieve their full potential, just as it allows the rose to open and the cypress to grow straight.

A Universal Force of Beauty

Another key theme is the universality of divine influence. The poem suggests that the same force that shapes the natural world and bestows beauty is also at work within the speaker. By listing diverse examples, from the opening rose to the blushing pomegranate flower, Rumi emphasizes that this force isn't limited to a single location or phenomenon. This creates a sense of unity and interconnectedness, implying that everything in existence is touched by the same creative energy. He emphasizes the point that this force is available to everyone.

From Eloquence to Ecstasy: The Power of Language

The poem explores the relationship between language and divine experience. Rumi writes, "Whatever put eloquence in language, that's happening here." This line suggests that the source of all meaningful communication stems from the same source as the other wonders described in the poem. Language is not merely a tool but a conduit for divine expression. The speaker’s experience is described as an opening where divine eloquence occurs, which enables him to love "the one to whom every that belongs!" This suggests the experience transforms the speaker’s capacity for expression, deepening his connection to the source.

Symbolism: The Doors of Perception

The image of "the great warehouse doors open" is a powerful symbol of spiritual awakening and expanded consciousness. Warehouses are typically places of storage, implying that the speaker has previously been closed off, withholding or unaware of the abundance of the divine. The doors opening signify a release, an access to previously untapped potential and resources. The image is particularly significant considering Rumi's Sufi background, where the opening of the heart is a central concept in spiritual growth. This is a moment of profound connection and integration.

Conclusion: A Sweet Embrace of the Divine

In conclusion, "what was said to the rose" is a deeply personal yet universally accessible poem that celebrates the power of divine inspiration. Through vivid imagery and a tone of increasing wonder, Rumi explores the idea that the same force that animates the world around us is also at work within each of us. The poem invites us to open ourselves to this force, to allow it to transform us and fill us with gratitude and love. The final image of the speaker "chewing a piece of sugarcane, in love with the one to whom every that belongs!" provides a sense of fulfilled desire and complete integration with the divine. The poem is a testament to the transformative power of love and the endless possibilities that lie within us all.