Almighty God Poem by Shlomo ibn Gabirol

Almighty God, who sufferest Thyself
To be entreated, and who payest heed
Unto the poor, how long wilt Thou from me
Be far and hidden? Night and day I turn
And with a steadfast heart I call to Thee,
And pour incessant gratitude for Thy
Excelling goodness. O my King, with pain
For Thee my heart is torn, in Thee it trusts.
Dreaming this shut-in dream, it looks to Thee
For life's interpretation. This I ask,
This is the plea to which I beg assent,
My sole petition, neither more nor less.


Translated by Israel Zangwill