1. I was kept awake by lightning flashes from the hills of Lebanon,
Pulsing like my restless heart, clouds lowering their lids.

2. It and the lamps of India vie in continual prayer –
And does aught but blood stain the blade of a sword?

3. I censured Time when it cast me among a band
Who saw the height of glory in other men’s low estate.

4. So I found no friend but one who criticized and blamed,
No brethren in the brotherhood but traitors and tyrants.

5. They spurned me like spurns every mean wretch
And rejected me like rejects every kindness.

6. Yet it pleased me they should hate me, for I saw
They never prized a human being’s love.

7. How often my right hand has wrung my right hand,
And I gnawed my fingers in remorse!

8. Long ago God enjoined love of one's neighbor,
Yet I complain of my neighbors' tyranny.