Love
My longing sought the Upland and my affliction the Lowland
Translated by Reynold A. Nicholson (1911) · From The Tarjuman al-Ashwaq (Nicholson, 1911)
My longing sought the Upland and my affliction the Lowland, so that I was between Najd and Tiháma.
They are two contraries which cannot meet: hence my disunion will never be repaired.
What am I to do? What shall I devise? Guide me O my censor, do not affright me with blame!
Sighs have risen aloft and tears are pouring over my cheeks.
The camels, footsore from the journey, long for their homes and utter the plaintive cry of the frenzied lover.
After they have gone, my life is naught but annihilation. Farewell to it and to patience!
Codex Note
Tarjuman al-Ashwaq, poem 5
Cite this poem
MLA
al-Arabi, Ibn. “My longing sought the Upland and my affliction the Lowland.” Translated by Reynold A. Nicholson. Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/ibn-arabi/4/.
Chicago
al-Arabi, Ibn. “My longing sought the Upland and my affliction the Lowland.” Translated by Reynold A. Nicholson. Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/ibn-arabi/4/.
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