Iphigene here.
Once again, I’m given the pleasure to share a poem for today’s poetry friday as hosted by Renee at No Water a River. Following our theme for this month on Kings and Queens, I dig into a collection of poems by Rumi and found one on Solomon’s Crown. King Solomon is known as the wisest king  and in this poem by Rumi he tells us how the wise king is reminded of compassion.
Solomon’s Crooked Crown
by Rumi
Solomon was busy judging others,
when it was his personal thoughts
that were disrupting the community.
His crown slid crooked on his head.
He put it straight, but the crown went
awry again. Eight times this happened.
Finally, he began to talk to his headpiece.
“Why do you keep tilting over my eyes?”
“I have to. When your power loses compassion,
I have to show what such condition looks like.”
Immediately Solomon recognized the truth.
He knelt and asked for forgiveness.
The crown centered itself on his crown.
When something goes wrong, accuse yourself first.
Even the wisdom of Plato or Solomon
can wobble and go blind.
Listen when your crown reminds you
of what makes you cold toward others,
as you pamper the greedy energy inside.
——-
Poem from The Essential Rumi. Translation by Coleman Barks with John Moyne pp. 190 -191
Gathering Books 
“Listen when your crown reminds you.” Love the play with the words here. Such wisdom and truth. Thanks!
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Its a wonderful reminder of responsibility and humility when in power. Thanks for dropping by.
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Thanks for the food for thought. Who made that striking painting?
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Hi tabatha. Thanks for visiting. I find that rumi has a way of giving us something to think about. Im not sure who the painter is. I will check and let you know.
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Interesting poem. What an interesting story of Solomon’s wisdom, wanting this time. For some reason this poem makes me think of angels with crooked halos. Don’t recall any poems about that though.
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When i read it, i love the perspective and enjoyed he fact that even the wisest kings must remind himself of why he is a king and what it means. Fame can get into our heads. Its important to stay grounded.
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“When something goes wrong, accuse yourself first.” Yes, and yet one can overdo that unwisely as well. Thanks for a welcome dose of Rumi!
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Hi heidi! Im glad people are enjoying this rumi poem. You make a good point. Everything should be in moderation. Thanks for visiting.
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Rumi is one of my favorite poets, and I love the wisdom of this poem. Thanks so much for sharing it!
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Hi. Glad you enjoyed our post today. Rumi’s poetry never fails to remind us of who we are, our tendencies and who we could be.
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Great reminder! Humbling.
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It is, isnt it. Even the wisest of kings must remind himself of humility.
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What a good poem. I like it. 🙂
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Hey erik
Glad you enjoyed this rumi poem
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