Abou Ben Adhem - A poem by James Henry Leigh Hunt

James Henry Leigh Hunt - Abou Ben Adhem

Abou Ben Adhem (may his tribe increase!)
Awoke one night from a deep dream of peace,
And saw, within the moonlight in his room,
Making it rich, and like a lily in bloom,
An angel writing in a book of gold:— 
Exceeding peace had made Ben Adhem bold,
And to the Presence in the room he said
"What writest thou?"—The vision raised its head,
And with a look made of all sweet accord,
Answered "The names of those who love the Lord."
"And is mine one?" said Abou. "Nay, not so,"
Replied the angel. Abou spoke more low,
But cheerly still, and said "I pray thee, then,
Write me as one that loves his fellow men."

The angel wrote, and vanished. The next night
It came again with a great wakening light,
And showed the names whom love of God had blessed,
And lo! Ben Adhem's name led all the rest.

Added: on July 21st, 2006 at 10:38 PM | Viewed: 1848 times | Comments (15)

Abou Ben Adhem - Comments and Information
Poet: James Henry Leigh Hunt Poem: Abou Ben Adhem Comment 15 of 15, added on February 24th, 2007 at 11:38 PM. My dad, John, is 88 years old. Throughout my life he has quota the first few lines and earlier in my life the whole poem, Abu Ben Adhem. Tonight he, my mom and I were eating, my dad started quoting the poem again, and we found it here on this web site and printed it. The learned it 80 years ago in the 3rd grade. It has always been meaninful to him, and is to me as well. My dad, never a religious man, truly epitomizes one who loves his fellow man, and I know his name will be written in God's book. Gloria from United States Comment 14 of 15, added on December 8th, 2006 at 11:46 PM. I too have fond memories of this poem. My Uncle, now deceased used to read it to me when I was a young girl. He helped to spark my love of poetry. it also sticks with me, although its meaning elluded me until recently. By the way, I am 40, so young by this postings standards, nice to know this poem lives on. Pam M. from United States Comment 13 of 15, added on July 21st, 2006 at 10:38 PM. I first heard this poem recited by my Grandfather when I was in my early twenties (mid-90s). He especially loved to quote the first two lines when he observed the chaos created by his MANY grandchildren in the living room at family gatherings. The verse struck me as so very appropriate for a man who loved, and was loved by in return, his fellow men and chose to 'increase the tribe" by sharing his knowledge and joie de vivre with his friends and extensive family. Grandpa was buried on July 11, 2006 at the age of 86. This poem was included in a booklet celebrating his life and the lives of those he enriched at his funeral mass. I know he will now sleep in peace forever... Aimee from United States More Comments >> Are you looking for more information on this poem? Perhaps you are trying to analyze it? The poem, Abou Ben Adhem, has received 15 comments. Click here to read them, and perhaps post a comment of your own. Of course you can also always discuss poems by James Henry Leigh Hunt with others on the Poetry Connection poetry forum!

Poem Info
Abou Ben Adhem Last read: 2008-09-06 01:33:04 Viewed 1848 times. Added on July 21st, 2006 at 10:38 PM.

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