Clarification to My Poetry-Readers

By Nizar Qabbani

Lyric Poem
And of me say the fools: I entered the lodges of women And never left. And they call for my hanging, Because about the matters of my beloved I, poetry, compose. I never traded Like others In Hashish. I never stole. I never killed. I, in broad day, have loved. Have I sinned? And of me say the fools: With my poetry I violated the skys commands. Said who Love is The honor-ravager of the sky? The sky is my intimate. It cries if I cry, Laughs if I laugh And its stars Greatens their brilliance If One day I fall in love. What so If in the name of my beloved I chant, And like a chestnut tree In every capital I, her, plant. Fondness will remain my calling, Like all prophets. And infancy, innocence And purity. I will write of my beloveds matters Till I melt her golden hair In the skys gold. I am, And I hope I change not, A child Scribbling on the stars walls The way he pleases, Till the worth of love In my homeland Matches that of the air, And to love dreamers I become A diction-ary, And over their lips I become An A And a B.

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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 moving and defiant declaration of the poet's commitment to love, beauty, and the power of poetry. The recurring theme of the poet's defiance against societal norms and critics ('fools') establishes a courageous, almost rebellious tone. The poet positions himself as an outsider, misunderstood and persecuted for his devotion to love and poetry, thereby highlighting the tension between societal expectations and personal values.

The poem uses powerful metaphors and similes to express the poet's profound emotional experiences. Comparisons such as "like a chestnut tree / In every capital I, her, plant," effectively convey his expansive, all-encompassing love. The poet's assertion that he is "A child / Scribbling on the stars walls / The way he pleases," suggests a joyous, unrestricted creativity, while the desire to become a "diction-ary" to "love dreamers" underscores the power of language and the poet's role as a facilitator of emotional expression.

The structure of the poem, composed of free verse with irregular line lengths, mirrors the poet's self-professed lack of conformity and his resistance to traditional boundaries. The repetition of the phrase "And of me say the fools" lends a rhythmic quality to the poem, reinforcing the poet's repeated defiance of societal judgment. Overall, the poem is a passionate celebration of love, individuality, and the transformative power of poetry.

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.