Poem Analysis - Some Kiss We Want

A Yearning for Divine Connection

Rumi's "some kiss we want" is a short but powerful poem that expresses a profound yearning for connection – a connection that transcends the physical and touches the spiritual. The tone is initially one of longing and desire, shifting to a more urgent plea for intimacy and ultimately settling into a quiet acceptance of the unconventional path to union. The poem uses vivid imagery and symbolism to illustrate the soul's deep hunger for a transformative encounter.

The Universal Thirst for Transcendence

While specifics might be debated, Rumi, a 13th-century Persian mystic, was deeply immersed in Sufism, a mystical branch of Islam. Sufism emphasizes direct personal experience of the divine, often expressed through love and ecstatic practices. Knowing this context helps us see the poem not just as a romantic longing, but as an allegory for the soul's desire for union with God. The "kiss" becomes a metaphor for spiritual enlightenment and divine grace.

Love, Spirituality, and the Rejection of Limitations

The poem explores several key themes. Love is central, presented not just as human affection, but as a cosmic force that drives all things towards connection. The lily's passionate need exemplifies this driving force. Spirituality is intertwined with love; the desired "kiss" is specifically "the touch of spirit on the body," indicating a desire for a physical and spiritual merging. The poem also subtly addresses the rejection of limitations, particularly through the imagery of the door versus the window. The moon's refusal to use the door suggests that true connection cannot be forced or achieved through conventional means; it requires openness and a willingness to embrace the unconventional.

Symbols of Transformation and Intimacy

The poem is rich in symbolism. The "kiss" itself symbolizes spiritual union and transformation. The "pearl," formed within the oyster's shell, represents the soul, which is urged to break free from its confines. This can be interpreted as breaking free from ego or worldly attachments. The "lily," with its passionate need, represents the soul's fervent desire for the divine. Finally, the "moon" is a complex symbol; it can represent the divine beloved, a source of light in darkness, or even the poet's own soul seeking reflection and connection. The act of pressing faces together and breathing into each other evokes a profound sense of intimacy and merging of identities.

Closing the Door, Opening the Window to Love

In conclusion, "some kiss we want" is a powerful expression of the soul's yearning for divine connection. Through vivid imagery and potent symbolism, Rumi conveys the urgency of this desire and suggests that true union requires a willingness to embrace unconventional paths. The poem encourages us to "close the language-door" and "open the love window," suggesting that the most profound connections are beyond words and logic, found instead in the realm of direct experience and passionate surrender to the spirit.