English poem
Waves of My Life
by Ameen Rihani (1876–1940)
My far cry, though no one should echo, Though no one to listen should stand, I shall dare with my burden the darkness And I shall not retreat from this land; Though I'm hurled 'neath the feet of the millions Who struggle their places to keep, The sea-nymphs shall bathe with my Fancy And the Dryads shall sweeten my sleep.
Though I'm crushed, cast away and forgotten, Though I'm buried in the dust of their cars, I can see through the darkness above me, I can feel the quick pulse of the stars, Though my head be the foot-stool of tyrants, Though my back be the step to their throne, I still dwell with the kings of Orion And I walk with the sun-queen alone.
Though the fire of youth should consume me, Thou my body a brimstone should be, I can draw on the clouds for their water And behold! I've of water a sea; And though roofless, and friendless, and hopeless, And loveless, and godless I stand, The waves of my life shall continue To murmur and laugh on the Strand.