New-found love for poetry
i read a lot of poetry, and i memorized a few because i never loved it although i forcibly memorized a lot of other invaluable things. during the course of my life which exceeds 70 years, i only memorized a few verses from imru’ al-qays’ poem i studied in the intermediate school which says:
to charge, retreat, and wheel – he’s strong and fast.
as boulder, by floods, down from high, is cast.
a few days ago, i was listening to radio kuwait, and i ended up hearing verses of poetry and talking about nizar qabbani. i liked what i heard and prompted me to search the internet for poetry and i found wonderful treasures, but i do not regret that i did not memorize anything from poetry.
here are selected excerpts from nizar qabbani’s poem, which i liked a lot:
i promised you i never love you, but after all this great decision i became a coward; i told you i won’t come back, but i came, and i won’t die hungry of you; but i died; again and again, i promised; again and again, i decided to let you; i don’t remember, did i forgot you ever.
i promised you greater things; what would the papers write about me tomorrow; surely they will write i was a culprit, and i killed myself; i promised you i won’t be weak, but i became, and never compose a poem on your blue eyes, but i did; i promised you, i never, never, never; but when i knew i was a fool; i mocked.
i promised you; i never look at your black hair even you walk so close to me, but when you streamed like darkness on footpath; i yelled.
i tried to ignore your eyes though you tempted me; though when i saw it was showering stars, i started to sob; you have been told, my love letters never reach you, but my pen nib cheated me; i wouldn’t be coming wherever you would be; but i was craving to meet you when i knew; you are the gust of the last supper; i promised you i won’t love you; how, where; which day did you see me promising it; i was lying because of the intensity of truth; praise to god, i lied; i promised foolishly; i will burn all the bridges behind me; i decided secretly to kill all women; i declared war against you; but when i raised my sword towards your buxom; i vanquished and your peaceful hand made me ashamed.
i promised this is the end, but all my promises were scattered; fogs in winds; i promised you; i never spoil my single night for you; never think about you, if you are ill; i won’t fear for your life; never present even a flower; won’t kiss on your hands; despite i spoiled my nights; sent you all my garden; i kissed on your eyes till i satisfy; i never promise never, never; but when i knew i was a fool; i mocked.
i promised to slaughter you at least fifty times; but when i saw the blood spread over my dress; i was certain i was slaughtered; don’t bear me on the bearing of forefathers; if i flame with rage if i am emotional; if i am extinguished; i was lying because of the intensity of truth; praise to god, i lied…
