I was an Arab, I loved my horse; Swift as an arrow He swept the course. Sweet as a lamb He came to hand; He was the flower Of all the land. Through lonely nights I rode afar; God lit His lights-- Star upon star. God's in the desert; His breath the air: Beautiful desert, Boundless and bare! Free as the wild wind, Light as a foal; Ah, there is room there To stretch one's soul. Far reached my thought, Scant were my needs: A few bananas And lotus seeds. Sparkling as water Cool in the shade, Ibrahim's daughter, Beautiful maid. Out of thy Kulleh, Fairest and first, Give me to drink Quencher of thirst. I am athirst, girl; Parched with desire, Love in my bosom Burns as a fire. Green thy oasis, Waving with Palms; Oh, be no niggard, Maid, with thy alms. Kiss me with kisses, Buds of thy mouth, Sweeter than Cassia Fresh from the South. Bind me with tresses, Clasp with a curl; And in caresses Stifle me, girl. I was an Arab Ages ago! Hence this home-sickness And all my woe.