Solomon ibn Gabirol: I look for you early

Poetry Chaikhana
Sacred Poetry from Around the World

Search the Poetry Chaikhana site:

<<Previous Poem | View All Poems by Solomon ibn Gabirol | Next Poem >>

I look for you early

by Solomon ibn Gabirol
(1021? - 1058) Timeline

English version by
Peter Cole

Original Language
Hebrew

Jewish

11th Century

I look for you early,
my rock and my refuge,
          offering you worship
     morning and night;
before your vastness
I come confused
          and afraid for you see
     the thoughts of my heart.

What could the heart
and tongue compose,
          or spirit's strength
     within me to suit you?
But song soothes you
and so I'll give praise
          to your being as long
     as your breath-in-me moves.

Themes

Dawn

Heart

Night

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

<<Previous Poem | View More Poems by Solomon ibn Gabirol | Next Poem >>

Please support the Poetry Chaikhana, as well as the authors and publishers of sacred poetry, by purchasing some of the recommended books through the links on this site. Thank you!

Poetry Chaikhana Sacred Poetry from Around the World

Poetry Chaikhana
Sacred Poetry from Around the World