[MD] The Madman: Night and the Madman

[MarshaV]

The Madman:  Night and the Madman      by Kahlil Gibran


"I am like thee, O, Night, dark and naked; I walk on the flaming path 
which is above my day-dreams, and whenever my foot touches earth a 
giant oaktree comes forth."

"Nay, thou art not like me, O, Madman, for thou still lookest 
backward to see how large a foot-print thou leavest on the sand."

"I am like thee, O, Night, silent and deep; and in the heart of my 
loneliness lies a Goddess in child-bed; and in him who is being born 
Heaven touches Hell."

"Nay, thou art not like me, O, Madman, for thou shudderest yet before 
pain, and the song of the abyss terrifies thee."

"I am like thee, O, Night, wild and terrible; for my ears are crowded 
with cries of conquered nations and sighs for forgotten lands."

"Nay, thou art not like me, O, Madman, for thou still takest thy 
little-self for a comrade, and with thy monster-self thou canst not 
be friend."

"I am like thee, O, Night, cruel and awful; for my bosom is lit by 
burning ships at sea, and my lips are wet with blood of slain warriors."

"Nay, thou art not like me, O, Madman; for the desire for a 
sister-spirit is yet upon thee, and thou hast not become a law unto thyself."

"I am like thee, O, Night, joyous and glad; for he who dwells in my 
shadow is now drunk with virgin wine, and she who follows me is 
sinning mirthfully."

"Nay, thou art not like me, O, Madman, for thy soul is wrapped in the 
veil of seven folds and thou holdest not thy heart in thine hand."

"I am like thee, O, Night, patient and passionate; for in my breast a 
thousand dead lovers are buried in shrouds of withered kisses."

"Yea, Madman, art thou like me? Art thou like me? And canst thou ride 
the tempest as a steed, and grasp the lightning as a sword?"

"Like thee, O, Night, like thee, mighty and high, and my throne is 
built upon heaps of fallen Gods; and before me too pass the days to 
kiss the hem of my garment but never to gaze at my face."

"Art thou like me, child of my darkest heart? And dost thou think my 
untamed thoughts and speak my vast language?"

"Yea, we are twin brothers, O, Night; for thou revealest space and I 
reveal my soul."




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The universe is uncaused, like a net of jewels in which each is only 
the reflection of all the others in a fantastic interrelated harmony 
without end.