Page 129 - The Book of Rumi

Which City Is Best?

wo lovers had found a quiet corner in the rose garden early in the morn-
Ting before the crowds appeared.
“My darling, you’ve traveled the world over and seen many beautiful cities
and other incredible sites,” murmured the young girl to her loved one, hoping
to challenge him. “Tell me honestly, which is your favorite city?”
“There could only be one place in the world, my love, and that’s right
here! My garden of joy is to be by your side, even if we were in the middle of
the driest desert! If I ever found myself at the bottom of a dark well but my
love was next to me, I’d be in paradise! So the simple answer to your question
is: the best city in the world is where one’s love is! And for me, it’s right here
next to you.”
The embrace that followed his confession was the sweetest either had
ever tasted.

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