1. When they spread that I
Was weakened by my old age,

2. And I have nothing left
But shattered dreams,

3. And they flaunted their wealth at me,
As if wealth could fulfill me!

4. I laughed at them, but
Their sadness only increased mine.

5. If only they could see through my eyes
And listen through my ears,

6. They would excuse my simplicity and come
To learn detachment from me.

7. But I am not one of them,
No, and they are not one of me.

8. So I went on, with poetry my habit,
And revelation's abode my bosom friend.

9. When my night comes alive, I confide in it,
Or when my dawn scatters, I sing to it.

10. By the Lord of my poetry,
My hut is like the garden of Eden!