THANK YOU GOD,

FOR CREATING ME!

Poem for Today - June 7, 2014

BEFORE I WAS BORN

Before I was born your love enveloped me.

You turned nothing into substance, and created me.

Who etched out my frame? Who poured

Me into a vessel and moulded me?

Who breathed a spirit into me? Who opened

The womb of Sheol and extracted me?

Who has guided me from youth-time until now?

Taught me knowledge, and cared wondrously for me?

Truly, I am nothing but clay within your hand.

It is you, not I, who have really fashioned me.
I confess my sin to you, and do not say

That a serpent intrigued, and tempted me.

How can I conceal from you, my faults, since

Before I was born your love enveloped me?

© Solomon Ibn Gabirol

(translated by David Goldstein)