I like poetry. Reading
ancient poetry reveals the similarity of emotional concerns over time. I was looking at 10th century
poetry from Arab Andalusia (southern Spain) and noted it shares the lyric
tradition of Sappho 1600 years prior. I
can image the evening soirées where this poetry was read, what a way to end a
day!
I particularly identified with
a poem by Ibrahim ib Ulthman’s “Apology” that who shows a respectful treatment
for the “gift of the Muses”.
Don’t cross me off as fickle
because
a singing voice
has
captured my heart,
One
must be serious sometimes
and
lighthearted at other times;
like
wood from which come
both
the singers’ lute
and
the warrior’s bow.
This poem was attractive to me
because it characterizes my personality.
Someone who enjoys laughter and even being silly yet my underlying temperament
can be deadly serious. Humor does not
preclude serious opinions and emotions.
The fact that someone one thousand years ago can describe me is a
pleasant reminder of the commonality of humanity and the shared traits across
time and culture.
Imagine this peaceful scene of friendship,
food and drink as illustrated in Abd al-Aziz ibn al-Qabtrnuh’s “Invitation”:
Your
friend invites you
to
enjoy two shimmer pots
already
giving off
a
savory odor,
some
perfumes,
a
carafe of wine,
a
delicious place
Although in somewhat of a
contrast, I encountered an epitaph that highlighted the fear and sadness we also
share with the ancients. The ancient Greek
scholar, Kallimachos (c. 294-235 BC) recited the
following epitaph for a son: “His father Philip laid here the twelve-year old
boy Nikoteles: his dearest hope.”
I am left graced by the walk through
these poems and pleasantly satisfied that one can speak with a neighbor of so
long ago. I am very thankful for
translators who handled these difficult works!