Having nothing by Rumi/Coleman Barks from “A year with Rumi”
What ever comes, comes from a need,
a sore distress, a hurting want.
Mary’s pain made the baby Jesus.
Her womb opened its lips
and spoke the Word.
Every part of you has a secret language.
Your hands and your feet say what you have done.
Every need brings in what’s needed.
Pain bears its cure like a child.
Having nothing produces provisions.
Ask a difficult question,
and the marvelous answer appears.
Build a ship, and there will be water
to float it. The tender-throated infant cries,
and milk drips from the mother’s breast.
Be thirsty for the ultimate water.
Then be ready for what will come
pouring from the spring.