In Mourning

O Thou, who were the support and refuge of the righteous, and the hope and helper of every wayfarer,
O You, on whose heart the care and means of our livelihood lay constantly,
O You, whose beneficence and charity were like a universal provision of sustenance,
O You, who were as kinsfolk and parents to the poor; paying their taxes and expenses and discharging all debts,
O You, who like the sea, gave pearls to those near to you, and who sent rain as a gift to those who were far away,
Our backs were warmed by You, O Sun, who was the splendor in every palace, and the treasure in every ruin.
O You, in whom in every month and year, I, and a hundred like me, had become a family, tenderly cared for like your own children.
You were our ready money, and our moveables, and our furniture, our fame and glory and our fortune.
You are not dead, but our luxury and good fortune are dead, our happy life is dead, and the sustenance that was provided in full measure."

Rumi (Vol. 6, 3264-3274)

Commentary: Rumi is telling a story of a man who has just learned that his Master and benefactor has died. I think he is also describing the universal loss of those who have blessed us. Their love lives on in us, but our lives are changed forever.