Why art thou so hushed and sad,
So thin and wan?
Who robbed thee of thy flesh and song—
Was it Ramadhan?
Nay, Ramadhan is not to blame,
For I have ceased to fast and pray;
But to my vacant Dwelling came
An unknown Guest—he came to stay.
And in my heart he eats and drinks;
He drinks my blood, of wines the best,
And eats my burning flesh—ah, yes,
My love for Zahra is that Guest.