The Luzumiyat of Abu’l-Ala, XLI

translated from the Arabic by Ameen Rihani

One draught, more bitter than the Zakkum tree,
Brought us unto the land of mystery
      Where rising Sand and Dust and Flame conceal
The door of every Caravanseri.

Credit

The Luzumiyat of Abu’l-Ala (James T. White & Co., 1920) by Abū al-‘Alā’ al-Ma‘arrī. Translated from the Arabic by Ameen Rihani. Copyright © 1920 by Ameen Rihani. This poem is in the public domain.

Translators
Ameen Rihani
1876 –
1940