Poem by Amatu'l-Baha Ruhiyyih Khanum

THIS IS FAITH

  by Amatu'l-Baha Ruhiyyih Khanum

To walk where there is no path 
To breathe where there is no air 
To see where there is not light- 
This is Faith. 

To cry out in the silence, 
The silence of the night, 
And hearing no echo believe 
And believe again and again- 
This is Faith. 

To hold pebbles and see jewels 
To raise sticks and see forests 
To smile with weeping eyes- 
This is Faith. 

To say: "God, I believe" when others deny, 
"I hear" when there is no answer, 
"I see" though naught is seen- 
This is Faith. 

And the fierce love in the heart, 
The savage love that cries Hidden Thou art yet there ! 
Veil Thy face and mute Thy tongue 
yet I see and hear Thee,
Love, Beat me down to the bare earth, 
Yet I rise and love Thee, Love !" 
 This is Faith.