Emma Richey - Rumi’s “In Baghdad, Dreaming of Cairo; In Cairo, Dreaming of Baghdad”

Out of any of the readings that we have had this semester, Rumi’s poem has challenged me the most. The detailed parable is about trusting one's inner path and discovering that the goal of a long journey is often found at home. Rumi firstly illustrates how life is in fact non-linear. Instead of a straight time line, life is actually cyclical which comes in the form of a spiral. Events in life often tend to repeat each other, such as birthdays or anniversaries, and these specific moments actually have spirals of their own. Our memories (or what we tend to believe has happened in the past), continue to build on themselves as we continue our lives. 


The narrator of Rumi’s poem goes on a great journey to find meaning, when in reality, “the water of life” was already found at his home. After reflecting on this poem outside of class, I have discovered that I have a similar experience. I initially came to college to fund myself and become my own individual. I had a dream of studying to become a math teacher, diving deeper into my faith, and making friendships that will last a lifetime. I thought that being away from home would change everything for me—but it didn’t. 


Having my twin sister at CNU is one of the best gifts that God has given me! I always have someone that I can lean on and someone who I can give guidance and comfort to. Initially, I wanted to make connections with other students here that would replicate my close friendship with my sister, but it is not something that can truly be done. Although I have made close friends here, my sister knows how to support me with my school work, faith, and worries, and I now find it silly that I tried to fill a Katelyn-sized hole with someone who wasn’t her. Just like the narrator, I came a long way to find it, but I had already acquired the water of life.

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