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                                                                    ELEVATION OF THE SELF
                                                                         (Work Of Khalil Gibran)



                                        Spring
   Come, my beloved; let us walk amidst the knolls,
   For the snow is water, and Life is alive from its
   Slumber and is roaming the hills and valleys.
   Let us follow the footprints of Spring into the
   Distant fields, and mount the hilltops to draw
   Inspiration high above the cool green plains.
   Dawn of Spring has unfolded her winter-kept garment
   And placed it on the peach and citrus trees; and
   They appear as brides in the ceremonial custom of
   the Night of Kedre.

   The sprigs of grapevine embrace each other like
   Sweethearts, and the brooks burst out in dance
   Between the rocks, repeating the song of joy;
   And the flowers bud suddenly from the heart of
   Nature, like foam from the rich heart of the sea.

   Come, my beloved; let us drink the last of Winter's
   Tears from the cupped lilies, and soothe our spirits
   With the shower of notes from the birds, and wander
   In exhilaration through the intoxicating breeze.

   Let us sit by that rock, where violets hide; let us
   Pursue their exchange of the sweetness of kisses.

                                            Summer
   Let us go into the fields, my beloved, for the
   Time of harvest approaches, and the sun's eyes
   Are ripening the grain.
   Let us tend the fruit of the earth, as the
   Spirit nourishes the grains of Joy from the
   Seeds of Love, sowed deep in our hearts.
   Let us fill our bins with the products of
   Nature, as life fills so abundantly the
   Domain of our hearts with her endless bounty.
   Let us make the flowers our bed, and the
   Sky our blanket, and rest our heads together
   Upon pillows of soft hay.
   Let us relax after the day's toil, and listen
   To the provoking murmur of the brook.


                
                                                                AUTUMN
   Let us go and gather grapes in the vineyard
   For the winepress, and keep the wine in old
   Vases, as the spirit keeps Knowledge of the
   Ages in eternal vessels.

   Let us return to our dwelling, for the wind has
   Caused the yellow leaves to fall and shroud the
   Withering flowers that whisper elegy to Summer.
   Come home, my eternal sweetheart, for the birds
   Have made pilgrimage to warmth and lest the chilled
   Prairies suffering pangs of solitude. The jasmine
   And myrtle have no more tears.

   Let us retreat, for the tired brook has
   Ceased its song; and the bubblesome springs
   Are drained of their copious weeping; and
   Their cautious old hills have stored away
   Their colourful garments.

   Come, my beloved; Nature is justly weary
   And is bidding her enthusiasm farewell
   With quiet and contented melody


                                                               WINTER
Come close to me, oh companion of my full life;
 
  Come close to me and let not Winter's touch
   Enter between us. Sit by me before the hearth,
   For fire is the only fruit of Winter.
   Speak to me of the glory of your heart, for
   That is greater than the shrieking elements
   Beyond our door.
   Bind the door and seal the transoms, for the
   Angry countenance of the heaven depresses my
   Spirit, and the face of our snow-laden fields
   Makes my soul cry.

   Feed the lamp with oil and let it not dim, and
   Place it by you, so I can read with tears what
   Your life with me has written upon your face.

   Bring Autumn's wine. Let us drink and sing the
   Song of rememberance to Spring's carefree sowing,
   And Summer's watchful tending, and Autumn's
   Reward in harvest.

   Come close to me, oh beloved of my soul; the
   Fire is cooling and fleeing under the ashes.
   Embrace me, for I fear loneliness; the lamp is
   Dim, and the wine which we pressed is closing
   Our eyes. Let us look upon each other before
   They are shut.
   Find me with your arms and embrace me; let
   Slumber then embrace our souls as one.
   Kiss me, my beloved, for Winter has stolen
   All but our moving lips.

   You are close by me, My Forever.
   How deep and wide will be the ocean of Slumber,
   And how recent was the dawn!