Here's your goddamn poem of the day.
I am so sick and tired of the vilification of Muslims that is the only thing we hear from the Righteous Wing.
I read this back in the 50's in CT in a gradeschool reading book, probably 5th grade, and was impressed by the man's goodness. Way out of fashion now.
With the amazing doings in the Middle East in recent days, I recalled this poem, and I recommend it to you.
You may probably know it, but it is worth another look.
Abou ben Adam
Abou ben Adam (may his tribe increase!)
awoke one night from a deep dream of peace,
And saw, within the moonlight of his room,
Making it rich, and like a lily in bloom,
an angel, writing in a book of of gold.
Exceeding peace had made Ben Adam bold,
And to the Prescence in the room he said:
"What writest thou?" The vision raised its head,
And, with a look made of all sweet accord,
Answered, "The names of those who love the Lord."
"And is mine one?"said Abou, "Nay, not so,"
Replied the angel. Abou spoke more low,
But cheerily still, and said, "I pray thee, then,
Write me as one who loves his fellow men."
The angel wrote, and vanished. The next night
It came again, with a great awakening light,
And showed the names whom love of God had blest,
And lo! Ben adam's name led all the rest.
- Leigh Hunt