New-found love for poetry

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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 time; 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…

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By Ahmad alsarraf

This news has been read 27541 times!