Exploring Love Through Poetry: The Question of Happiness

The term ḥubb possesses the term khamr (wine) as a synonym, and khamr, in turn, was referred to as Umm Laylā by the Arabs. Laylā, in this context, refers to ecstasy and intoxication, and umm is present for it induces a state of ecstasy, begetting it as a mother begets a child. Love, likewise, intoxicates the lover, and, in cases, overwhelms and maddens him, as was the case with Majnūn, whose very name refers to one who has been maddened; in this case, by love. Other terms used for the state — ḥuzn, sadam, kamad, and shawq, among others — all have similar implications, in that they portray the emotions experienced by lovers upon separation. Continue reading Exploring Love Through Poetry: The Question of Happiness

Exhale

Breathe.  Gather the winds and make them plead,  Bring cirrus, stratus, and nimbus into thee,  Breathe.  Until thy lungs are ruptured and sore,  Stoke the fire in thy belly, make it roar,  Breathe.  And leave no room for doubt,  Breathe with certainty inside and out,  And bring the heavens to a halt in one clean shout,  Breathe.  With the word that freed the Habashi,  That … Continue reading Exhale

A Ballad for the Beloved, the Moon

Wander along the trail of submission, oh child of grief and loss.There you shall find what you seek most dear,engaged in remembering the Beloved: The Moon,who rose amongst the desert tribes,bathing the Arabian peninsula.The creation rejoiced as his light transpired,enveloped with the wisdom in Hira. Yet evil endures in the hearts of men,when the Self is crowned supreme.Thus the Moon was scorned in his call … Continue reading A Ballad for the Beloved, the Moon