Women in praise of the sacred: 43 centuries of spiritual poetry by women

Enheduanna (ca. 2300 B.C.E.). from The Hymn to Inanna

Shu-Sin's Ritual Bride (ca. 2000 B.C.E.). Bridegroom, beloved of my heart

Makeda, Queen of Sheba (ca. 1000 B.C.E.). Wisdom is. I fell

Sappho (7th c. B.C.E.). Leave Crete. Evening Star who gathers everything

Sumangalamata (6th c. B.C.E.). At last free

Patacara (6th c. B.C.E.). When they plow their fields

Zi Ye (6th-3rd c. B.C.E.). All night I could not sleep

Song of Songs: The Shulammite (ca. 3rd c. B.C.E.). I am dark, daughters of Jerusalem (Song 1:5-6). At night on my bed I longed for (Song 3:1-5). I was asleep but my heart stayed awake (Song 5:2-6). Come, my beloved (Song 7:12-14)

Pan Zhao (48-117?). Needle and Thread

Gnostic Gospel: Nag Hammadi Library (2nd-4th c.). from The Thunder: Perfect Mind

A Roman Spell (2nd-4th c.?). I bind you by oath

Sabina Lampadius (fl. ca. 377). As a symbol

Antal (8th c.). O sister of wealth. O you who guard over. We rose before dawn

Rabi'a (717-801).