Sand and Foam by Khalil Gibran

1926, Alfred A. Knopf

Sand and Foam by Khalil Gibran was recommended by Ali, my friend and web designer, who remembered this quote from the collection:

If winter should say 'Spring is in my heart,' who would believe winter?

I've always admired Gibran's best-known collection, The Prophet. Now, I want to add Sand and Foam to my bookshelf, so I can read a line or two from time to time. Some readers find Gibran hard to understand, others like his simplicity. What do you think?

Read three lines from Sand and Foam, below.

I long for eternity because there I shall meet my unwritten poems and my unpainted pictures.

Thinking is always the stumbling stone to poetry.

You are truly a forgiver when you forgive murderers who never spill blood, thieves who never steal, and liars who utter no falsehood.

What does each line mean to you? Think about your answers then click on the drop-down on left to see mine.

I long for eternity because there I shall meet my unwritten poems and my unpainted pictures.

I don't long for eternity because I'd like to stick around for awhile, but I like thinking all my ideas and thoughts still unrecorded are out there somewhere, waiting to be found someday. Or have I just found another reason to procrastinate instead of write?!

Thinking is always the stumbling stone to poetry.

Liberating! We don't have to think so much. Try to just feel and let it come out.

You are truly a forgiver when you forgive murderers who never spill blood, thieves who never steal, and liars who utter no falsehood.

Help needed here! I'm really hoping one of you will comment to clarify this one! Here's a guess: It's easier to forgive big trespasses than small ones. I have that nagging feeling I've missed something on this one!

Look at this online version of Sand and Foam, find a favorite quote and add to the comments below. You can also add a quote from any Gibran work.