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“I choose to love you in silence
For in silence I find no rejection,
I choose to love you in loneliness
For in loneliness no one owns you but me,
I choose to adore you from a distance
For distance will shield me from pain,
I choose to kiss you in the wind
For the wind is gentler than my lips,
I choose to hold you in my dreams
For in my dreams, you have no end.”
– Rumi
Rumi’s poem reflects his profound and spiritual approach to love, where he chooses to experience it in ways that transcend physical or worldly limitations. Through themes of silence, distance, and dreams, the poem explores love’s ability to exist purely in the soul, untouched by the flaws and vulnerabilities of human interaction.
Silent Love and Rejection
The opening lines, “I choose to love you in silence… For in silence I find no rejection,” highlight Rumi’s decision to protect his love from the risk of denial. Silence becomes a safe space, where love remains unspoken yet deeply felt. It symbolizes a love that doesn’t need validation, thriving instead in its purest, most inward form.
Loneliness and Possession
“I choose to love you in loneliness… For in loneliness no one owns you but me,” reveals Rumi’s need for an exclusive connection, free from competition or external interference. This line reflects a paradox: he finds comfort in solitude, where love feels more intimate, even though loneliness often evokes separation.
Distance as a Shield
The line, “I choose to adore you from a distance… For distance will shield me from pain,” shows Rumi’s attempt to balance his longing with self-preservation. Physical or emotional closeness may bring vulnerability, but distance provides a barrier against the hurt that often accompanies unfulfilled or difficult love. It suggests a cautious reverence, where love is kept safe by remaining unattached.
Symbolism of the Wind
“I choose to kiss you in the wind… For the wind is gentler than my lips,” uses the wind as a metaphor for tenderness and intangible connection. By entrusting the wind with his affection, Rumi expresses a love that is light, gentle, and unselfish. It implies a sense of humility and respect, where even a kiss remains ethereal.
Eternal Love in Dreams
The final line, “I choose to hold you in my dreams… For in my dreams, you have no end,” encapsulates Rumi’s longing for permanence. Dreams become a realm where love is free from the constraints of time and mortality, allowing it to exist endlessly. This reinforces the spiritual depth of the poem, suggesting that true love transcends the material world and continues in the infinite.
Conclusion
Rumi’s poem is a meditation on the power of love that exists beyond physical presence or reciprocation. It portrays love as a spiritual journey, rooted in the heart and soul rather than external validation. By choosing silence, distance, and dreams, Rumi shows that true love can thrive in its purest form—unconditional, selfless, and eternal.
