Abou Ben Adhem
Abou Ben Adhem (may his tribe increase!)
Awoke one night from a deep dream of peace,
And saw, within the moonlight in his room,
Making it rich, and like a lily in bloom,
An Angel writing in a book of gold:
Exceeding peace had made Ben Adhem bold,
And to the Presence in the room he said,
"What writest thou?" The Vision raised its head,
And with a look made of all sweet accord
Answered, "The names of those who love the Lord."
"And is mine one?" said Abou. "Nay, not so,"
Replied the Angel. Abou spoke more low,
But cheerily still; and said, "I pray thee, then,
Write me as one who loves his fellow men."
The Angel wrote, and vanished. The next night
It came again with a great wakening light,
And showed the names whom love of God had blessed,
And, lo! Ben Adhem's name led all the rest! Leigh Hunt. | HW Favourite Poem (one of) I have been here before; But when or how I cannot tell: I know the grass beyond the door, The sweet keen smell, The sighing sound, the lights around the shore. You have been mine before, How long ago I may not know: But just when at the swallow's soar Your neck turned so, Some veil did fall - I knew it all of yore. Then, now - perchance again ! O round mine eyesyour tresses shake ! Shall we not lie as we have lain Thus for Love's sake, And sleep, and wake, yet never break the chain ? DG Rossetti, Sudden Light | Heart of this heartless world, Dear heart, the thought of you Is the pain at my side, The shadow that chills my view. The wind rises in the evening, Reminds me that autumn is near. I am afraid to lose you, I am afraid of my fear. On the last mile to Huesca, The last fence for our pride, Think so kindly, dear, that I Sense you at my side. And if bad luck shall lay my strength Into the shallow grave, Remember all the good you can Don't forget my love. John Cornford, 1936 (killed in the Spanish Civil War at Huesca). |