From Ali Ben Abu Taleb

by Ralph Waldo Emerson — a poem card from Justes Mots

Two pieces of wisdom from Islamic tradition: one on the paradox of friendship and enmity, the other on human powerlessness against fate. Emerson translates profound observations on human connection and mortality. Offers comfort through acceptance of universal human conditions.

He who has a thousand friends has not a friend to spare,
And he who has one enemy will meet him everywhere.


On two days it steads not to run from thy grave,
The appointed, and the unappointed day;
On the first, neither balm nor physician can save,
Nor thee, on the second, the Universe slay.…

Themes: sympathy · grief · reflection