a lover asked her beloved,
do you love yourself more
than you love me?
the beloved replied,
I have died to myself
and I live for you.
I’ve disappeared from myself
and my attributes.
I am present only in you.
I have forgotten all my learning,
but from knowing you
I have become a scholar
I have lost all my strength,
but from your power
I am able.
If I love myself
I love you.
If I love you
I love myself.
-Rumi