1. Words are bodies formed of letters
And meanings are the souls that fill their frames

2. Uttered by God on high
By which the dark and light appear

3. None but God, there is no other
Though speech itself comes solely from His name

4. Where are you, o heedless ones, for you
Are but bare letters penned by hands

5. No meaning do you hold, mere vowel signs
A child could give you sense and aim

6. Distracted thus by surfaces you roam
Forgetting truth, the purpose you must claim

7. So take the straight path shown by your Lord
In guidance know the truth, and peace.