Waves of My Life — Ameen Rihani

My far cry, though no one should echo,Though no one to listen should stand,I shall dare with my burden the darknessAnd I shall not retreat from this land;Though I'm hurled 'neath the feet of the millionsWho struggle their places to keep,The sea-nymphs shall bathe with my FancyAnd the Dryads shall sweeten my sleep.

Though I'm crushed, cast away and forgotten,Though I'm buried in the dust of their cars,I can see through the darkness above me,I can feel the quick pulse of the stars,Though my head be the foot-stool of tyrants,Though my back be the step to their throne,I still dwell with the kings of OrionAnd I walk with the sun-queen alone.

Though the fire of youth should consume me,Thou my body a brimstone should be,I can draw on the clouds for their waterAnd behold! I've of water a sea;And though roofless, and friendless, and hopeless,And loveless, and godless I stand,The waves of my life shall continueTo murmur and laugh on the Strand.