Poetry Chaikhana
Sacred Poetry from Around the World

Jewish

11th Century

About Shelomo ibn Gabirol

Timeline (1021? - 1058)

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English version by
Bernard Lewis

Original Language
Hebrew

Before I was, Thy mercy came to me,

Themes

Snake

Recommended Books

	The Heart and the Fountain: An Anthology of Jewish Mystical Experiences, by Joseph Dan
	Music of a Distant Drum: Classical Arabic, Persian, Turkish & Hebrew Poems, Translated by Bernard Lewis
	The Penguin Book of Hebrew Verse, Edited by T. Carmi
	Poetry for the Spirit: Poems of Universal Wisdom and Beauty, Edited by Alan Jacobs

Before I was, Thy mercy came to me,
inverting void and being Thou madest me to be.
Who wrought my image, poured my essence
into the crucible and gave me shape?
Who breathed a soul into me
opened the belly of Sheol and took me out?
Who led me from childhood until here?
Who taught me to understand, caused me to marvel?
Indeed I am clay in Thy hand.
Thou didst make me, in truth, not I myself.
I shall confess my sins, and not say to Thee
"The serpent deceived me and led me astray."
How can I hide my guilt from Thee? For indeed
before I was, Thy mercy came to me.

-- from Music of a Distant Drum: Classical Arabic, Persian, Turkish & Hebrew Poems, Translated by Bernard Lewis

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Poetry Chaikhana Sacred Poetry from Around the World

About Shelomo ibn Gabirol

Poetry Chaikhana
Sacred Poetry from Around the World