In this poem, Kahlil Gibran reflects on the nature of love. He suggests that love is self-sufficient and doesn't possess or desire anything outside of itself. Love is not something that can be directed or controlled, but rather, it directs those who are worthy of it. Love's only desire is to fulfill itself.
However, if one must have desires while being in love, Gibran suggests that they should include being like a running brook that sings its melody to the night, experiencing the pain of tenderness, being wounded by their own understanding of love, and being willing to bleed joyfully and willingly.
Gibran also highlights the importance of gratitude and reflection in love. He mentions waking up with a winged heart and being grateful for another day of loving, taking time to meditate on love's ecstasy during the noon hour, and returning home with gratitude in the evening. Finally, he suggests ending the day with a prayer for the beloved in one's heart and a song of praise on one's lips.
Overall, this poem emphasizes the power and beauty of love, while also acknowledging its complexities and the need for gratitude and self-reflection.
The Prophet
Kahlil Gibran
Love gives naught but itself and takes naught but from itself.
Love possesses not nor would it be possessed;
For love is sufficient unto love.
When you love you should not say,
‘God is in my heart,’ but rather, ‘I am in the heart of God.’5
And think not you can direct the course of love,
for love, if it finds you worthy, directs your course.
Love has no other desire but to fulfill itself.
But if you love and must needs have desires, let these be your desires:
To melt and be like a running brook that sings its melody to the night.10
To know the pain of too much tenderness.
To be wounded by your own understanding of love;
And to bleed willingly and joyfully.
To wake at dawn with a winged heart
and give thanks for another day of loving;
To rest at the noon hour and meditate love’s ecstasy;15
To return home at eventide with gratitude;
And then to sleep with a prayer for the beloved in your heart and a song of praise upon your lips.
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