The Story of Evolution

The Story of Evolution

We began

As a mineral.  We emerge into plant life,

And into the animal state, and then into being human.

And always we have forgotten our former states,

Except in early spring when we slightly recall

Being green again.

That's how a young person turns

Toward a teacher.  That's how a baby leans

Toward the breast, without knowing the secret

Of its desire, yet turning instinctively.

Humankind is being led along an evolving course.

Through this migration of intelligence,

And though we seem to be sleeping,

There is an inner wakefulness

That directs the dream

And that will eventually startle us back

To the truth of who we are.

Rumi, 13th century