Song of Love

I am the lover's eyes, and the spirit's

Wine, and the heart's nourishment.

I am a rose. My heart opens at dawn and

The virgin kisses me and places me

Upon her breast.

I am the house of true fortune, and the

Origin of pleasure, and the beginning

Of peace and tranquility. I am the gentle

Smile upon his lips of beauty. When youth

Overtakes me he forgets his toil, and his

Whole life becomes reality of sweet dreams.

I am the poet's elation,

And the artist's revelation,

And the musician's inspiration.

I am a sacred shrine in the heart of a

Child, adored by a merciful mother.

I appear to a heart's cry; I shun a demand;

My fullness pursues the heart's desire;

It shuns the empty claim of the voice.

I appeared to Adam through Eve

And exile was his lot;

Yet I revealed myself to Solomon, and

He drew wisdom from my presence.

I smiled at Helena and she destroyed Tarwada;

Yet I crowned Cleopatra and peace dominated

The Valley of the Nile.

I am like the ages -- building today And destroying tomorrow;

I am like a god, who creates and ruins;

I am sweeter than a violet's sigh;

I am more violent than a raging tempest.

Gifts alone do not entice me;

Parting does not discourage me;

Poverty does not chase me;

Jealousy does not prove my awareness;

Madness does not evidence my presence.

Oh seekers, I am Truth, beseeching Truth;

And your Truth in seeking and receiving

And protecting me shall determine my

Behavior.

by Khalil Gibran