Poem: Allahu Akbar, O You Appointments
Allahu Akbar, O those long-awaited appointments,
::: The days when she had no worries about her promises.
Before the trials began to overwhelm her,
::: And she wore her sins like a garment on her body.
Last year, it was a dream in the night of heroes,
::: From her pride, she did not respond to those who questioned her.
And today, she has learned to plot her tricks,
::: She has mastered how to thrive on her grievances.
She gestures to a distant figure with her hand,
::: She thinks I would be upset when she points at him!
She does not realize that parting from her feels like a celebration,
::: I am not dead from the love I felt for her.
Even if my heart yearns for her after her absence, it only increases,
::: She has pierced my heart with her absence if I lose her.
She no longer deserves to suffer through sleepless nights,
::: As long as she has betrayed the principles of her promises.
And if her excuse now is her desire for renewal,
::: With the fashion that leaves her rain and thunder behind.
Indeed, the passion of love increasing only fuels the hunt,
::: And the majestic birds will often increase our desires.
The truth is clear and needs no more proof,
::: Clear as the sun to those who have witnessed it.
The sun rises in the east when it is God’s will,
::: A decree from God, not rising by mere happenstance.
God commanded it to illuminate the universe distinctly,
::: Yet, some people still worship it!!
This is the essence of my words and testimony,
::: Tell her before she loses her way,
If she is longing for someone far away,
::: She should go to him, not merely gesture with her hand!
Poem: The World Deceived Me, and I Became Arrogant
The world deceived me, and I became arrogant,
::: Shattering the heart of the one who embraced me with kindness.
I now live without sensations or feelings,
::: I no longer understand what it means to love or be loved.
I have been away from the world for days and months,
::: My life has turned strange in my eyes.
Darkness has enveloped the universe, leaving no light,
::: Exile took Thamer from my open grasp.
I built a wall between myself and my soul,
::: Distancing myself has become my greatest tragedy.
Those who do not heed advice and counsel,
::: One word can lead him astray and another may bring him back.
I made a mistake and said I’m not excused,
::: And those who acknowledge the truth are never criticized!
Oh friend, forgive me if I come with shortcomings,
::: For someone like you forgives without anger from near.
If you weren’t dear, I wouldn’t be compelled,
::: To search for you after such a long absence.
I swear by the Master of the house that time will bring me back,
::: For without you, I have lived in a difficult state.
I lie in distress; the morning comes and I feel defeated,
::: Imagine that gray is beginning to fill my hair.
This matter is not just poetry and an audience,
::: Nor is it a tale of honor or dignity.
From that perspective, I am indeed pleased,
::: Content in this state, and I am happy with it.
My greatest concern is not to become famous,
::: Everyone will take from what is written, what is theirs.
Just return to me, and I will be grateful,
::: I’ll hold your hand and begin anew.
On the day I am with you, there is no poet or audience,
::: There is only a lover and his beloved.
Poem: O Time, Do Not Dress Our Appointments in Mourning
O time, do not clothe our appointments in mourning,
How long have I been lost, weaving tales of illusion.
The break has become my salvation, not my prison,
And tears have flowed down my cheeks.
Release the chains and end the imprisonment,
Let Kuwait celebrate today in joy.
The one who consults the wearer of garments,
Wants to decorate herself with beautiful attire.
She who is loaded with love has stolen my heart,
Since the day she came, she has captivated my soul.
She commands me, and her words are so powerful,
How can she command me when I am from Bani Abs?
If history were to speak, it would narrate her clans,
Tell her, if my tongue dries up from thirst!
I shall not seek a substitute among my comrades,
The winds may shift, but I remain dedicated.
Time does not always lean in our favor,
Tomorrow will relieve the tension and despair.
The door of nobility opens for the noble,
You will find hands broken from the shackles of imprisonment.
And you will find Kuwait extending her hand in greeting.
Poem: O Heart, That Voice Is Truly Yours
O heart, that voice is truly yours,
::: The one who called yesterday, filled with longing.
The moment of her absence brings despair,
::: What if she intends to part from me?
O rider of what is called a “whale,”
::: Distress surrenders; your condition has grown bleak.
Let us travel, we will avoid Beirut,
::: For the sake of the one with enchantingly entrancing eyes.
Do you not know the ruin she brings to homes,
::: Her absence and the severing of ties?
After her, I feel as if I am in a coffin,
::: No substitutes can compensate for her absence.
The one who resides in my heart is engraved,
::: With love embedded deep inside.
She says: “Nights are fleeting,”
::: While I wait for you, overwhelmed with longing.
You haven’t seen me, adorning my shoes,
::: Walking confidently, like someone admirable.
True majesty lies not in clothes but character,
::: I changed it in the eyes of my admirers.
From my dignity, when I wore the coat,
::: I embodied the majesty of a king passing by.
I said: “Be quiet, our promise is steadfast,”
::: Tomorrow I will extinguish this longing in an embrace.
I adore the sweetness on your lips,
::: The red of death versus my attire!
A blend of sugar upon your ruby lips,
::: Your radiant smile shines forth.
O my friend, let us ride towards Beirut,
::: For the sake of the one with enchanting eyes.
We will travel on foot, not with the whale,
::: It makes no difference to me if I yearn for you.
Poem: Say Bismillah, O Child With Dreams
Say Bismillah, O child with dreams,
::: Rise to honor, O leader of ambition.
Keep the conversation alive and prepare for the meeting,
::: Before you rise above.
My friend, if you ever become oblivious,
::: Learn before your beard gives you away.
It would be beneficial to have true friends,
::: Their actions must match their words.
Our story is different from a mere heartache,
::: Beyond complaints from the flame of passion.
Our tale is like a teacher giving lessons,
::: Disrupting the thoughts of students in remembrance.
But listen before I say goodbye,
::: Each man has his unique fingerprint.
My friend, do not be silent in the face of truth,
::: Don’t worry about the attire of nobility.
Poem: No Blame, No Grievances
No blame, no grievances, no reproach,
What remains for you is not something you can fill.
Do not hold me accountable for my absence,
What has occurred was beyond my control.
If we were to return and start counting debts,
::: It ended with you before it began.
I used to see you differently until my heart melted,
::: For in your love, my body was consumed.
At that time, if I had a son in his youth,
::: Perhaps I would love you as much as I love my child.
But the one who vanished, when the light was dimmed,
::: Something now prevents me from reaching your hands.
Remember what happened, you who possessed beauty,
::: On that night you were absent left me alone.
Do not be deceived by my smile and fine clothes,
::: Inside I am suffering from the burdens of time.
The question that remains has no answer,
::: There were many moments of the weeping wound.
Oh how you accustomed me to chasing illusions,
::: And what do you desire from me when I’m drained?
I have become like clouds drifting in the cold,
::: Do not gather us as we fall like rain.
Poem: They Said Praise a Sheikh or a Prince
They said to praise a sheikh or a prince,
::: To reap the benefits of such praise.
I answered that I am in good stead, my condition is well,
::: Why should I pursue something I do not desire?
I know that the renowned merit belongs to great men,
::: Men are led or they lead.
I detest two kinds: the hypocrite and the vile,
::: They disregard the goodness of honorable men.
When I praise, I do so with sincerity,
::: This praise comes from deep within, not mere flattery.
It is as if it comes not from heart and conscience,
::: Such praise is merely a trap to ensnare.
What is it to me if a bird flies,
::: Neither is it my bird nor am I its hunter.
Among God’s creation, I prefer to be different,
::: I do not wish to be something added.
Poverty does not tarnish the morals of the poor,
::: In the present and in the years to come.
In this time, many things matter to me,
::: Like the unity of people around the table.
And the sight of a smile on a small child,
::: On the day of Eid when they gather to celebrate.
I have said this, and my excuse is whatever it may be,
::: Each head will bow when honored.
Pay attention to my words in the final verses,
::: Listen to me as if I were reciting.
Do you understand the meaning of a vile man,
::: Who associates with others simply for gain?