Bitter Melon

As I walked one day amidst the garden,
     I saw my heart's desire.
He held out to me a bitter melon,
     that burned my lips like fire.
Then he asked "Why do you eat
     as though you wished for more?
Did you find the melon sweet,
     that you even ate the core?"

And I said:

Well I will eat your bitter melon
     'though the flavor be not sweet,
And I will shed my bitter tears
     to wash your feet.
And I will take what you have offered
     with a smile upon my face,
And at the table of thanksgiving
     take my place.

Many are the times that you have favored me
     with days so bright and sunny.
Many are the fruits that you have given me
     with taste as sweet as honey.
Now you've come to offer me
     a melon full of fire.
How could I ungrateful be
     to you, my heart's desire?

So I will eat your bitter melon
     'though the flavor be not sweet,
And I will shed my bitter tears
     to wash your feet.
And I will take what you have offered
     with a smile upon my face,
And at the table of thanksgiving
     take my place.