Love

I am content with Raḍwá as a meadow and a lodging-place

by Ibn al-Arabi 1165–1240

Translated by Reynold A. Nicholson (1911) · From The Tarjuman al-Ashwaq (Nicholson, 1911)

Love

I am content with Raḍwá as a meadow and a lodging-place, for it has a pasture in which is cool water.
May be, those whom I love will hear of its fertility, so that they will take it as an abode and lodging-place.
For lo, my heart is attached to them and listens silently whenever the camel-driver urges them on with his chant.
And if they call to one another to set out and cross the desert, thou wilt hear its wailing behind their camels.
And if they make for az-Zawrá, it will be in front of them, and if they are bound for al-Jar‘á, it will alight there.
No fortune is found except where they are and where they encamp, for the bird of Fortune has fledglings in their tribe.
Fear for myself and fear for her sake battled with each other, and neither gave way to its adversary.
When her splendours dazzle mine eyes, the sound of my sobbing deafens her ears.

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Tarjuman al-Ashwaq, poem 52

MLA

al-Arabi, Ibn. “I am content with Raḍwá as a meadow and a lodging-place.” Translated by Reynold A. Nicholson. Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/ibn-arabi/51/.

Chicago

al-Arabi, Ibn. “I am content with Raḍwá as a meadow and a lodging-place.” Translated by Reynold A. Nicholson. Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/ibn-arabi/51/.

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