The Prophet

Since the Everlasting Judge
Bestowed on me the omniscience of the prophet,
I read in human eyes
Pages of malice and vice.

I embarked upon declaring
Pure teachings of love and truth:
All my beloved neighbors
Furiously threw stones at me.

I put ashes on my head,
And, pauper, escaped from the city;
Now I live in the desert
Like the birds, by God-given dole;

In accordance with the Everlasting Testament,
The earthly beast is tamed there in my presence,
And stars listen to me,
Joyfully swirling their iridescent rays.

But when I am forced to hurry
Through the noisy city,
The elders tell their grandchildren
With conceited smiles:

"Look! Here's an example set for you!
He was proud, couldn't conform;
A fool, he hoped to make us believe
That God Himself speaks through his voice!

Now look, children, at this tramp:
Look, how grim he is, how pale and spiny!
Look at this barefoot lowlife,
Look, how everyone despises him!"
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