The dedication at the beginning of Seven Pillars of Wisdom leaves the reader wanting more. Here it is!
I drew these tides of men into my hands
And wrote my will across the sky in stars;
Yet though I fought your tribes in desert sands
It was my love that left me battle-scarred.
I was a spy and planned to build your tomb
When first I came to re-define your land;
But with your kiss the desert flower found bloom
Whilst I drew these tides of men into my hands.
I fought for peace, that much I know is true
And for that end I dined with kings and Shahs.
But when all seemed mirage, it was for you
I wrote my will across the sky in stars.
That final night of love you weren’t afraid
You gave your body yet blocked my demands.
I rose at dawn and fasted, cried, and prayed,
Before I fought your tribes in desert sands
I gave my all yet Allah spared my life
But your death cut me open like a shard
For though I felt the pain of gun and knife
It was your love that left me battle-scarred.
This is a book of free verse poetry that addresses the seven main tests in life and offers some sensible solutions to passing those tests with minimal discomfort.