Tahir (11th Cent.)

BENEATH the canopy of the skies roam I night and day:

My home is in the desert by night and day.

No sickness troubleth me nor silent pain tormenteth;

One thing I know, that I sorrow night and day.

Homeless am I, O Lord: whither shall I turn?

A wanderer in the desert, whither shall I turn?

I come to Thee at last, driven from every threshold;

And if Thy door be closed, whither shall I turn?

Blessèd are they who live in sight of Thee,

Who speak with Thee, O Lord, and dwell with Thee.

Faint are my limbs, and my heart is fearful;

Humbly I sit with those who are dear to Thee.

Drunk tho’ we be with pleasure, Thou art our Faith;

Helpless, without hand or foot, Thou art our Faith;

Whether we be Nazarenes, Mussalmans or Gebres,

Whatsoe’er our creed, Thou art our Faith.