Ancient and Mystic Poets of the Middle East
Need a little spirituality in your life at the moment?
Let's learn a little about Islam here at the link and read some "mystical" poets from the Middle East. Take a look at Hafez, Farid al-Din Attar, and the master poet Kahlil Gibran. More info on Islam coming in the next few days.
Once you do that, try writing your own poem in a similar style. Spend some time in contemplation and meditation then grab a pen/pencil, paper (or your computer) and write with a clear mind with your focus on God and the Infinite Universe (and, of course, love).
Hafez:
Yes, this is a party poem! And here are two other important Middle Eastern poets: one from Lebanon (Gibran), the other from Persia (Iran).
Let's learn a little about Islam here at the link and read some "mystical" poets from the Middle East. Take a look at Hafez, Farid al-Din Attar, and the master poet Kahlil Gibran. More info on Islam coming in the next few days.
Once you do that, try writing your own poem in a similar style. Spend some time in contemplation and meditation then grab a pen/pencil, paper (or your computer) and write with a clear mind with your focus on God and the Infinite Universe (and, of course, love).
Hafez:
Ode 44
Last night, as half asleep I dreaming lay,
Half naked came she in her little shift,
With tilted glass, and verses on her lips;
Narcissus-eyes all shining for the fray,
Filled full of frolic to her wine-red lips,
Warm as a dewy rose, sudden she slips
Into my bed – just in her little shift.
Said she, half naked, half asleep, half heard,
With a soft sigh betwixt each lazy word,
‘Oh my old lover, do you sleep or wake!’
And instant I sat upright for her sake,
And drank whatever wine she poured for me –
Wine of the tavern, or vintage it might be
Of Heaven’s own vine: he surely were a churl
Who refused wine poured out by such a girl,
A double traitor he to wine and love.
Go to, thou puritan! the gods above
Ordained this wine for us, but not for thee;
Drunkards we are by a divine decree,
Yea, by the special privilege of heaven
Foredoomed to drink and foreordained forgiven.
Ah! HAFIZ, you are not the only man
Who promised penitence and broke down after;
For who can keep so hard a promise, man,
With wine and woman brimming o’er with laughter!
O knotted locks, filled like a flower with scent,
How have you ravished this poor penitent!
Ode 487
With last night’s wine still singing in my head,
I sought the tavern at the break of day,
Though half the world was still asleep in bed;
The harp and flute were up and in full swing,
And a most pleasant morning sound made they;
Already was the wine-cup on the wing.
‘Reason,’ said I, ‘’t is past the time to start,
If you would reach your daily destination,
The holy city of intoxication.’
So did I pack him off, and he depart
With a stout flask for fellow-traveller.
Left to myself, the tavern-wench I spied,
And sought to win her love by speaking fair;
Alas! she turned upon me, scornful-eyed,
And mocked my foolish hopes of winning her.
Said she, her arching eyebrows like a bow:
‘Thou mark for all the shafts of evil tongues!
Thou shalt not round my middle clasp me so,
Like my good girdle – not for all thy songs! –
So long as thou in all created things
Seest but thyself the centre and the end.
Go spread thy dainty nets for other wings –
Too high the Anca’s nest for thee, my friend.’
Then took I shelter from that stormy sea
In the good ark of wine; yet, woe is me!
Saki and comrade and minstrel all by turns,
She is of maidens the compendium
Who my poor heart in such a fashion spurns.
Self, HAFIZ, self! That thou must overcome!
Hearken the wisdom of the tavern-daughter!
Vain little baggage – well, upon my word!
Thou fairy figment made of clay and water,
As busy with thy beauty as a bird.
Well, HAFIZ, Life’s a riddle – give it up:
There is no answer to it but this cup.
Yes, this is a party poem! And here are two other important Middle Eastern poets: one from Lebanon (Gibran), the other from Persia (Iran).
Farid al-Din 'Attar & his poetry
Kahlil Gibran's masterpiece: The Prophet (online)
Inspire yourself. Write an ode after you center yourself...breathe deeply. Relax. Clear your head, follow your breathing in and out, in and out...then write. Some ideas include: Write an ODE to a loved one who has given you support like Hafez does. Or Like Farid al-Din Attar does, write verses about visiting the "valley of..." [fill in your own emotion there...]; or like Gibran get philosophical and spiritual. Take any of his main topics or subjects and write about that (the list is on the webpage linked to his work above...)
Kahlil Gibran's masterpiece: The Prophet (online)
Inspire yourself. Write an ode after you center yourself...breathe deeply. Relax. Clear your head, follow your breathing in and out, in and out...then write. Some ideas include: Write an ODE to a loved one who has given you support like Hafez does. Or Like Farid al-Din Attar does, write verses about visiting the "valley of..." [fill in your own emotion there...]; or like Gibran get philosophical and spiritual. Take any of his main topics or subjects and write about that (the list is on the webpage linked to his work above...)
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