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
