Solomon's Crooked Crown by Rumi

Solomon's Crooked Crown

by Rumi

Solomon was busy judging others,

when it was his personal thoughts

that were disrupting the community.

His crown slid crooked on his head.

He put it straight, but the crown went

awry again.  Eight times this happened.

Finally, he began to talk to his headpiece.

"Why do you keep tilting over my eyes?'

"I have to.  When your power loses compassion,

I have to show what such condition looks like."

Immediately Solomon recognized the truth.

He knelt and asked for forgiveness.

The crown centered itself on his crown.

When something goes wrong, accuse yourself first.

Even the wisdom of Plato or Solomon

can wobble and go blind.

Listen when your crown reminds you

of what makes you cold toward others,

as you pamper the greedy energy inside.

The Essential Rumi --translated by Coleman Barks