Has anyone seen the boy?

I simply love this poem, and each time I read it, something new draws me in.

Today it’s the title, Red Shirt, and I’d actually forgotten that was the title. We all need to wear a red shirt now and again, be a little conspicuous, standout, tap into to our youthful, playful spirit. To care a little less about the consequences.

Has anyone seen the boy?

Have you seen your youthful spirit lately?

She or he is not far away. Of that I’m pretty sure.

~

Rumi – Red Shirt

Translation Coleman Barks

Has anyone seen the boy who used to come here?

Round-faced troublemaker, quick to find a joke, slow

to be serious. Red shirt,

perfect coordination, sly,

strong muscles, with things always in his pockets:

reed flute, ivory pick, polished and ready for his talent.

You know that one.

Have you heard stories about him?

Pharoah and the whole Egyptian world

collapsed for such a Joseph.

I’d gladly spend years getting word

of him, even third or fourth-hand.