"The Shell of Friendship"

The 

Reflection Cast 

from Good Friends

is Needed

Until You Become With the Aid

of a Reflector,

a Drawer of Water from the Sea.

Know that the Reflection

is at First

Just Imitation,

but When It Continues

to Recur,

It Turns Into Direct Realization

of Truth,

Until It Has Become Realization,

Don't Part from the Friends 

Who Guide You-

Don't Break Away from the Shell

if the Raindrop Hasn't Yet

Become a 

Pearl.

~Jalil al-Din Rumi

(1307-1387)

Persia

~Beannaichte'

(3-25-12)