A Chant

Bring me back, O my God, to meeting You!
In the mihrab of the everlasting mosque..
Or in the bell of the church..
For I have grown fond of the summits
And made friends with the heights of the ether
How should I not blaze up?
When the release of the open skies
Washes over my spirit
Brimming with magic

Bring me back to meeting You!
From the song of morning
I shall fashion my dress
And from the jasmine of eternity
I shall adorn my being
With necklace upon necklace
Whenever my serenity dawns
I sing with the dew
In radiant melodies..

Bring me back to meeting You!
For the threads of darkness
Weave their chants
Around my heart
And I go mad with longing
In the blaze of dry stubble
That will not slacken its burning
Until I see You..

Bring me back to meeting You
For the stars will not crack apart
Nor the spheres stand still
And the mountains will not fall back
So long as You...

Shield me from the sorcery of the dark
And the lies of pitch-black night
Out of the fullness of Your mercy

Bring me back to meeting You
I am weary of the dreams of minds
Tired of the radiance of the forenoon
Every day a new disguise
Every moment a deception

Take me.. the clouds will not whisper
Nor the storms know
Even the stars will not see me
As I make my way to You

Your mercy, O my God — take me..
I am madness
That You may draw me near to You
That You may breathe into me strength
And patience and hope
That You may return always
And bring me back to meeting You!..