Poetry Visualized

Rumi Tennessee

Rumi Tennessee
By Reid Baer

I would rather have clarity
about my life than live on a
rocky top with limitless sight.
If the boy’s born around here he

might get a father to teach the
young man how to hunt and fight the
good fight as well as a mother
who will comfort her baby’s strife.

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performed by Patricia Baer, music by Michael Ken
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Reid Baer is infidel أنا كافر

Here’s a poem for all us infidels
By Reid Baer

Life itself wills you to power
from God in Faith apparently

opposites just do not attract
without Repentance and a strict

ripping apart of the pieces
holding onto contradictions –

Saved a little in Grace or a
lot – not at all in this prison.

‘Tis better to admit the fall
and then be on with it by some

self invention or discovery.
The truth be told, the truth is whole,

but ends up at the bottom of
your own ancient alchemist’s bowl.

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Rumi FEAR & Islam جلال الدين الرومي

Welcome to the face of Islam in the modern era – scared and deadly – turning to fight the West even more fiercely.

Reid Baer Interviews Coleman Barks
http://menstuff.org/columns/overboard/barks.html
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Rumi’s “FEAR”
Translated by Coleman Barks
Performed by Reid Baer

Everyone can see how they have polished the mirror
of the self, which is done with the longings
we're given.
Not everyone wants to be king!
There are different roles and many choices
within each.
Troubles come. One person packs up
and leaves. Another stays and deepens in a love
for being human.
In battle, one runs fearing
for his life. Another, just as scared, turns
and fights more fiercely.
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