In the beginning was the Word, The Word of bitter grief and pang... Thereafter was the islands’ birth, And they abandoned the mainland. They traveled about without freight Through many thousands of miles and years, And every island changed its face, But kept the law and honor of the Earth. In the beginning was the Word, The Word of bitter grief and pang... Thereafter was the sailors’ birth, And they abandoned the mainland. The shore holds them as sure as safe, And they’ll for certain come back to the Earth: They keep the rigorous ship-shape, They keep the law and honor of the Earth. My stand in science is unheard, But known to the common people: In the beginning of this world There wasn’t another word than “sea”!
       
© Akbar Muhammad. Translation, 2012
(akbarmuhammad.awardspace.co.uk)