Rumi - My Soul is from Elsewhere

This is a deeply reflective poem by Rumi (1207-1273) exploring the deep self of what some call the "soul".

Above and Below was shot by Stefan Werc for the Bagong Silang documentary directed by Zena Merton and produced by Giselle Santos.

Setting: Navotas Cemetery, Manila, The Philippines.
Manila is one of the most overpopulated places on Earth.
There are over 2000 families living above the dead in the Navotas Cemetery. Babies are born and the dead are buried in the same place.
Life goes on.

"All day I think about it, then at night I say it.
Where did I come from, and what am I supposed to be doing?
I have no idea.
My soul is from elsewhere, I'm sure of that,
And I intend to end up there.

This drunkenness began in some other tavern.
When I get back around to that place,
I'll be completely sober. Meanwhile,
I'm like a bird from another continent, sitting in this aviary.
The day is coming when I fly off,
But who is it now in my ear who hears my voice?
Who says words with my mouth?

Who looks out with my eyes? What is the soul?
I cannot stop asking.
If I could taste one sip of an answer,
I could break out of this prison for drunks.
I didn't come here of my own accord, and I can't leave that way.
Whoever brought me here will have to take me home.

This poetry. I never know what I'm going to say.
I don't plan it.
When I'm outside the saying of it, I get very quiet and rarely speak at all.

We have a huge barrel of wine, but no cups.
That's fine with us. Every morning
We glow and in the evening we glow again."

- Rumi

[Polack]

"I didn't come here of my own accord, and I can't leave that way. Whoever brought me here, will have to take me home." - this sent shivers down my back. Powerful

[adityamittal]

this is what happens when a beautiful soul expresses the art of another beautiful soul ! 

[shivacosima]

Wonderful recitation of one of the most beautiful poems by Rumi....
The poetry reader here has a very beautiful voice, indeed....

[sparklelight]

whatever brought me here will have to take me home -rumi

[alejandro-vkpb]

narrator has such a nice voice, I wish they could read more of rumi's quotes...

[lmarmyers]

This is absolutely one of the most emotionally moving videos I've ever watched! Thanks so much...

[shreyajaiswal]

One of the best rendition of Rumi's poem I hve ever heard. The voice, ushers you to think. Beautiful!

[khushbuubana]

You didn't come into the world, you came out of it, like a wave from the ocean, you are not a stranger here.
- Alan Watts

[nouaranouara]

😭 take me home....my soul is from somewhere else

[MrsCosmopolitana]

Oh wow, what an amazing work you are doing! Deeply touching, the best of Rumi. Please keep on doing what you are doing, it is huge.

[merveilmeok]

If you like Rumi, investigate the work of Khalil Gibran.

[Nazarej]

Big big fan. Listen to this and other videos of yours everyday. Love and Light

[conormccabe]

Absolutely love this video. It is truly beautiful... 

[jumpingship]

These words are not for your ears to listen but for your soul to feel.

[alejandro_eder]

Honestly your work in this video is remarkable, the tone of voice, the silences, the times you take, the synchrony. I can't stop listening to your work. You can tell me where I find the Nate Connolly theme to use since I haven't been able to find it. A big hug from Chile.

[SusanJoynerStumpf]

I love Rumi; thank you Anca for sharing with me.

[bhadarchahal]

I know the feeling of being in a foreign country with out a family

[seth-dkhm]

whenever I feel suicidal i listen to this.

[TheJourneyofPurpose]

Thanks Caleb, I use final cut for my editing. All the best

[shahilagh]

i wish i knew who is reading this poetry. i want to listen to it while walking.