English poem
From the Arabic
by Ameen Rihani (1876–1940)
Why art thou so hushed and sad, So thin and wan? Who robbed thee of thy flesh and song— Was it Ramadhan?
Nay, Ramadhan is not to blame, For I have ceased to fast and pray; But to my vacant Dwelling came An unknown Guest—he came to stay.
And in my heart he eats and drinks; He drinks my blood, of wines the best, And eats my burning flesh—ah, yes, My love for Zahra is that Guest.