This beautiful translation/interpretation of Rumi's poem is one of the works of Coleman Barks, American poet who taught poetry and creative writing at the University of Georgia for more than thirty years. He is also the author of numerous Rumi translations. In this clip he recites his translation of "What was said to the Rose".
He generously granted me his permission to use his translations/interpretations in my novel "On Loving", and made me eternally grateful. On Loving main character's name, Rose, has been chosen symbolically not only to represent "love", but also to express" promise", "new beginnings", and "hope". Rose Hemmings is a woman who keeps moving on, rising from the ashes again and again, regardless of all the hardships she endures.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KUy1b...

"What was said to the Rose"

What was said to the rose that made it open
was said to me here in my chest.

What was told to the cypress that made it strong
and straight, what was whispered to the jasmine

so it is what it is, whatever made sugarcane
sweet; whatever was said to the inhabitants

of the town of Chigil in Turkestan that makes
them so handsome, whatever lets the pomegranate

flower blush like a human face, that is being
said to me now. I blush. Whatever put eloquence

in language, that’s happening here. The great
warehouse doors open; I fill with gratitude,

chewing a piece of sugarcane, in love with
the one to whom every ‘that’ belongs!

~ Rumi, 13th century Persian Poet
Translated by Coleman Barks, in his book. ‘Rumi the Book of Love – poems of ecstasy and longing’.