I’ve come back down

Because I am in Thee,

And Thou art in me,

Is it really the case,

That I am slave and Thou art Master?

Thou and I are so much different,

Thou art a King, strong and mighty,

A light of subtlety in the breezes,

A tree spreading loftily over the world.

Down here, Thou makest tranquility

And I no more am idle.

Regarding these shades Thou playest withal,

Gladdens and rejoices my heart.

Illumined by Thy beams,

I go up the steps even unto clouds,

My ear the psaltery of heaven hears,

A lute plays in my heart.

Far below I seem to see e’en yet

A blinking light,

Champaka-trees laughing call me back,

This earthly heart has risen on high,

Yet I turn and come back down.

Amir Hamzah
tr. after Damais