Shlomo ibn Gabirol Poems

Strayed in mid-youth, rouse up, nor sleep, for lo!
The days of youth like clouds of smoke will pass.
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Let the numerous isles rejoice with trembling,
For He is high and exalted and acknowledged as One
In the height of the firmament.
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Look up to thy Maker, O soul of mine,
Thy Creator remember whilst thou art young;
Cry morning and night to His grace divine,
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Lord of the world, O hear my psalm,
And as sweet incense take my plea.
My heart hath set its love on Thee
And finds in speech its only balm.
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Lord, what is man but flesh and blood? O weep!
His days unconscious stray, like shadows sweep,
His stroke comes sudden and he falls on sleep.
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My heart craves to praise Thee,
But I am unable.
Would my understanding
Were as spacious as Solomon's
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My heart thinks as the sun comes up
that what it does is wise:
as earth borrows its light,
as pledge it takes the stars.
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Almighty God, on lofty throne
In wisdom Thou didst build the world,
Thy might the firmament unfurled
And Thou wast King ere kings were known.
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I have made Thee my refuge, my terror and trembling,
And when straitly besieged I have made Thee my tower,
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My soul shall declare to Thee Thou art her former
And shall Thee as her maker, O God, testify,
At Thy word 'Be, O Soul' did she take on existence,
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