Versions of Rabi'a

Let me hide in You From everything that distracts me from You, From everything that comes in my way When I want to run to You.

The real work is in the Heart: Wake up your Heart! Because when the Heart is completely awake, Then it needs no Friend.

I have two ways of loving You: A selfish one And another way that is worthy of You. In my selfish love, I remember You and You alone. In that other love, You lift the veil And let me feast my eyes on Your Living Face. That I remember You always, or that I see You face-to-face-- No credit to me in either: The credit is to You in both.

May God steal from you All that steals you from Him.

O God! If I adore You out of fear of Hell, burn me in Hell! If I adore You out of desire for Paradise, Lock me out of Paradise. But if I adore You for Yourself alone, Do not deny to me Your eternal beauty

O God, You know that the only thing I want in this life Is to be obedient to Your command. Even the living sight of my eyes Is service at your court.

My Joy My Hunger My Shelter My Friend My Food for the Journey My Journey's End You are my breath, My hope, My companion, My craving, My abundant wealth.

The one who explains, lies. How can you describe the true form of Something In whose presence you are blotted out? And in whose being you still exist?

I look everywhere for your love-- Then suddenly I am filled with it. O Captain of my Heart, Radiant Eye of Yearning in my breast...

I swear that ever since the first day You brought me back to life, The day You became my Friend, I have not slept -- And even if You drive me from your door, I swear again that we will never be separated-- Because You are alive in my heart.

O Lord... Once I wanted You so much I didn't even dare walk past Your house-- And now I am not even worthy to be let in...

Source: Doorkeeper of the Heart (Charles Upton )