Nasruddin Poem Minstrel, Jester, Wise One

Nasruddin the Sufi Jester

Nasruddin the Mullah
of Turkish ancient fame
whose stories wisdom fools and wise
sits backward astride his donkey
travelling along
travelling along
The Hodja travels one way, Donkey the other
sees the road ahead, smells the dust
head bent down, longs for straw and bed
trudging along,
trudging along
the Mullah travels lightly, sight fully,
Jingles a bell,
sings a song
backward I journey into the day.
all the way into this day
Is this minstrel crazy, not quite there
laughing at you
laughing at me?
as people gather, watch and scratch their hair
turn your life around, around,
come with me and be the clown,
stop your rush, gaze on the trees, their wonder
don’t be afraid of what lies yonder
see the mystery in earth and sky around
delight, delight
every moment is holy ground

Mullah, an Islamic religious teacher or leader
Hodja, “master” and refer to teacher, professor, leader, and wise people.