FARDI WA NAFLI
This was written in the hospital where Mr. Rihani's sister suffered for more than two years. She was taken sick not long before the day appointed for her wedding.
I
"Here she is: O take her not away so soon!
Spare her youth—the fatal cup from her withhold!
Let her groan within my arms in life's forenoon;
Let me still my soul within her eyes unfold."
God of Love! my faith in thee is not yet gray:
Grant that she may walk again,
Free from suffering and pain—
Give her life to see the altar's light one day.
II
In the night, before the day that never came,
On the way with poppies and gardenias strewn,
With her music and her torch's holy flame,
She was struck and never since saw sun or moon.
God of Light! refuse her not another ray:
Her bridal garment joins with me
In beseeching, begging thee—
Give her life to see the altar's light one day.
III
All the sorrow earth contains I can support,
All the agony and pain I can endure;
Years of misery will seem surprising short,
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