RUBA'YAT

Time, you put the sorrow in my eyes.
Without you they would mirror sunlit skies
Where white birds wheel in lily-clouded blue -
Yet, save for you no sun would ever rise.

Time, you put the sorrow in my song.
It well might be more lusty, hale and strong,
More like a wholesome gift of living art -
Yet then would lack a heart, and wither young.

Time, you raise the wine cup to my lips.
The passing sorrow and the sigh that slips
Away with every smile I charge to you,
And all the dear, sweet pain of fellowships.

Oh Time, you put the sorrow in my cheek.
Your winter nights of sleety stars, your bleak
Moon-fathomed cavernous immensity
Strewn with the wrack of worlds, have left me weak.

Yet, Time, although you bind infinity,
Without these knowing eyes what could you see?
A world as barren now as when begun -
For all you've done is nothing without me.