Friday, March 6

The time was 1941. I was a Brockport, NY Normal School student when my teachers introduced me to the poem "Abou Ben Adhem." The poem, now 74 years later continues to inspire me.

The poem was written by Leigh Hunt, an interesting man who spent time in prison and was also an associate of Shelly and Byron - he was one of those present at what must have been the surreal experience of the Romantic Period - Shelly's cremation on the beach.

Here is the poem:

     Abou Ben Adhem (may his tribe increase) 

     Awoke one night from a deep dream of peace, 

     And saw, within the moonlight in his room. 

     Making it rich like a lily in bloom, 

     An angel writing in a book of gold; 

     Exceeding peace had made Ben Adhem bold, 

     And to the presence in the room he said 

     What writest thou?" -­ The vision raised its head, 

     And with a look made of all sweet accord, 

     Answered "The names of those who love the Lord." 

     "And is mine one?" said Abou. "Nay, not so," 

     Replied the angel. Abou spoke more low, 

     But cheerily still, and said "I pray thee, then, 

     Write me as one that loves his fellow men."

     The angel wrote and vanished. The next night 

     It came again with a great wakening light, 

     And showed the names whom love of God had blessed. 

     And lo! Ben Adhem's name led all the rest.

Miriam Calhoun