O my Lord, the stars glitter

by Rabia al-Basri (Rabia al- Adawiyya)

English version by Charles Upton
Original Language Persian/Farsi

O my Lord,
the stars glitter
and the eyes of men are closed.
Kings have locked their doors
and each lover is alone with his love.

Here, I am alone with you.

-- from Doorkeeper of the Heart: Versions of Rabia, Translated by Charles Upton

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Commentary by Ivan M. Granger

I have not read this poem by Rabia in quite a while, but rereading it this morning, I am struck by its simple power. Just a few lines, yet they ring with so much meaning.

Stars and light and missing the vision of it all.

Kings and locked doors. Protecting our things, protecting our worlds, locking ourselves inside.

Lovers together, a world unto themselves.

And that final line to the Divine Beloved--

Here, I am alone with you.



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O my Lord, the