Where Were You

On my left the full silver circle of the moon Just risen in the east And on my right the mellow sun about to swoon Provided a rare feast But, without you, I shunned them like the sun at noon And, ah, I cared the least. The music of the ocean that broke on gray rocks On lengthy moonlit nights, And the cool summer breezes near the eagle flocks On far-off mountain heights, Without you were like worthless bits of broken crocks, Devoid of all delights! The best of foods, fruits and drinks tasted just as mud, Disgusting and loathsome, The murmur of a stream was the roar of a flood And of a grating drum. Without you, I did not enjoy a blooming bud. I felt utterly glum. I never knew who you were or who you would be Yet I always missed you! In foul weathers I wished you were near me to see How I was feeling blue. You would certainly set my exhausted soul free Whether you were a Jew, A Christian or a Moslem or an infidel. But now naught can avail. Weary and old, leading a life in boundless hell, Or just living on bail, I've lost all I once had due to what I can't tell. I'm dead as a doornail. Farewell, O world! You took back from me all but pain; Ha ha! no pain, no gain? Did I not toil for you night and day all in vain? Why did you crush my brain And pay me back with your fetter, shackle and chain? I'd better not complain! 7.1.'11 No comments, please!