V

My longing sought the Upland and my affliction the Lowland, so that I was between Najd and Tiháma.

They are two contraries which cannot meet: hence my disunion will never be repaired.

What am I to do? What shall I devise? Guide me O my censor, do not affright me with blame!*

Sighs have risen aloft and tears are pouring over my cheeks.

The camels, footsore from the journey, long for their homes and utter the plaintive cry of the frenzied lover.

– Muhyiddin Ibn al-Arabi (The Tarjuman Al-Ashwaq)

* ‚My Censor‘ i.e. the blaming soul