Coleman Barks, Professor Emeritus of English at the University of Georgia, has become the primary conduit for translating into English the ecstatic poetry of the 13th-century Sufi poet Jelaluddin Rumi, the bard of Islam. In this program, Bill Moyers and Dr. Barks discuss topics including the intricate challenge of transforming antiquated Persian idiom into modern English while retaining its essence. Readings by Dr. Barks spotlight five of Rumi’s marvelous poems and his own “Love for Clouds,” “A Wish,” “New Year’s Day Now,” “Final Exam,” and “Club.” Filmed at the Biennial Geraldine R. Dodge Poetry Festival. (27 minutes)