A Brief Love Letter

By Nizar Qabbani

Lyric Poem
My darling, I have much to say Where o precious one shall I begin ? All that is in you is princely O you who makes of my words through their meaning Cocoons of silk These are my songs and this is me This short book contains us Tomorrow when I return its pages A lamp will lament A bed will sing Its letters from longing will turn green Its commas be on the verge of flight Do not say: why did this youth Speak of me to the winding road and the stream The almond tree and the tulip So that the world escorts me wherever I go ? Why did he sing these songs ? Now there is no star That is not perfumed with my fragrance Tomorrow people will see me in his verse A mouth the taste of wine, close-cropped hair Ignore what people say You will be great only through my great love What would the world have been if we had not been If your eyes had not been, what would the world have been?

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem is a beautiful exploration of love, legacy, and the transformative power of poetry. The speaker uses the poem to immortalize their love for the addressee, suggesting that their affection is so profound it transcends the ordinary and becomes a universal experience. Through vivid, sensory imagery—like "cocoons of silk," "a lamp will lament," and "a bed will sing"—the poet communicates the depth and breadth of their feelings, using the objects around them as metaphors for their emotions.

The use of rhetorical questions enhances the introspective, thoughtful tone of the poem, pushing the reader to question the significance of love and its impact on our lives. Moreover, the poem's structure, which doesn't adhere strictly to a traditional rhyme scheme, mirrors the unpredictability and uncontainable nature of love itself. The poet's use of the future tense suggests a sense of inevitability, that their love will persist and leave a lasting impact, not just on their lives, but on the world. Finally, the poem's concluding lines assert the transformative power of love, suggesting that without their love, the world itself would be fundamentally different. Such a statement underscores the poem's primary theme: love as a force capable of reshaping reality.

Exploring Lyric Poetry

Lyric poetry is a powerful and intimate form of expression, characterized by its focus on the personal emotions and thoughts of the poet. Often musical in nature, lyric poems resonate with readers through their vivid language and rhythmic flow, capturing moments of intense feeling.

Here are some key characteristics that define lyric poetry:

  • Expressive Language: Lyric poems use rich and evocative language to convey deep emotions, often painting a vivid picture of the poet's inner world.
  • Personal Perspective: Typically written in the first person, these poems offer a window into the poet's personal experiences, thoughts, and reflections.
  • Musicality: Lyric poems often feature a rhythmic structure, with meter and rhyme that give them a song-like quality, enhancing the emotional impact.

From ancient odes to contemporary free verse, lyric poetry remains a beloved and enduring form, celebrated for its ability to articulate the nuances of human emotion in a way that resonates deeply with readers.