A line from the Koran and from Li-Young Lee

In times like these, religion is so closely linked to politics. The Muslim religion seems particularly scary.

In college, when I studied religion, I remember thinking that the Muslim religion was beautiful. At least what little I learned of it. But now, years later, I recall only one line from the Koran, which I scribbled in my notes. I love this line:

"Because you are within his workings, God is closer to you than the vein in your neck."

Which reminds me of a line from a Li-Young Lee love poem:

"My tongue remembers your wounded flavor.
The vein in my neck
adores you."