Barada Poem by Nizar Qabbani

Barada

Rating: 3.0


Barada, oh father of all rivers
Oh, horse that races the days
Be, in our sad history, a prophet
Who receives inspiration from his lord
Millions acknowledge you as an Arab
Prince . . . so pray as an imam

Oh eyes of the gazelle in the desert of Sham
Look down. This is the age of lavender
They have detained you in the pavilions for a long time
We have woven tents from tears
God has witnessed that we have broken no promise
Or secured protection for those we love

COMMENTS OF THE POEM
Daniel Brick 15 December 2016

This is a Poem of Lament. The grief the poet expresses with dignity and metaphorical language is immediately persuasive and makes me as a distant reader feel a bond with this poet, a man of such deep feeling and a striking ability to make me feel deeply too. But I admit I do not understand the political context, I am responding as a fellow poet, not a partisan. Nizar Qabbani's poise and gravitas, his beautiful language and sincere emotions summon me to acknowledge what Mohammed Asim Nehal says below, Poet, Carrier of Truth, I Hear Your Voice and Heed Your Words!

0 1 Reply
M Asim Nehal 15 December 2016

A plea worth making, Let us hope it is heard.

1 1 Reply
Edward Kofi Louis 15 December 2016

For those we love. Thanks for sharing this poem with us.

1 1 Reply
READ THIS POEM IN OTHER LANGUAGES
Close
Error Success