Reflections of a Man's Heart

I fell

because of wisdom,

but was not destroyed:

though her I dived

into the  great sea,

and in those depths

I seized

a wealth-bestowing pearl.

 

I descended

like the great iron anchor

men use to steady their ships

in the night on rough seas,

and holding up the bright lamp

that I there received,

I climbed the rope

to the boat of understanding.

 

While in the dark sea,

I slept,

and not overwhelmed there,

dreamt: a star

blazed in my womb.

 

I marveled

at that light,

and grasped it,

and brought it up to the sun.

I laid hold upon it,

and will not let it go.

 

- Makeda, queen of Sheba