The Beloved

The essence of humanity is not measured by wealth or status, but by the love we hold in our hearts and the connections we cherish. The terms “beloved” or “my beloved” carry the weight of sacrifice and sincere emotions, reflecting a bond marked by mutual giving and a trust that allows me to share my secrets openly with this special person.

Beautiful Quotes About the Beloved

• Silently loving is the most beautiful form of love, yet it may lead to slow despair.
• The one who hides their love within their heart is suffocating in silence.
• Sometimes, concealing love stems from a desire to protect the beloved, showcasing loyalty and generosity of spirit.
• Love often begins with admiration or a moment of compassion; once feelings become focused on someone, thoughts and dreams follow.
• If beauty inspires love, then tenderness is what preserves it.
• Tenderness is the initial stage of love, while compassion marks the first phase of passion.
• A man is like a fragile tear, and a woman was created to wipe it away.
• I hold and comfort myself each time I miss you, for you are a part of me.

Poem: May God Forgive That Beloved Regardless of His Faults

This poem, “May God Forgive That Beloved Regardless of His Faults” by the poet Abdul Ghafar Al-Akhras, is notable in the literary circles of Baghdad. He hails from Mosul and was born in the year 1218 AH (1804 AD). His fame spread as people shared his poetry, earning him the nickname “Al-Akhras,” which reflects a speech impediment he had.

May God forgive that beloved, no matter his transgressions,

He called upon me, longing in his heart for a dark fate.

His heart hardened at the words of the slanderer and the envious,

Yet my memories of him are tender and filled with love.

From the beautiful maidens, he captivates by both stature and gaze,

When he shines, the sparks of sight illuminate us,

With just a glance, he left his adversaries defenseless.

In his form, he is free from the sword’s piercing.

Where are the leafy branches when they wilt,

And where are the red deer when they gaze upon him?

Oh, you who take my patience with distance and the journey,

And clothe me in garments of illness and sorrow,

A pair of beautiful eyes have bewitched me,

Your eyes seem created only to captivate us.

In the night, against the watchful eyes, I tossed and turned,

As if we had our own eyes among the stars.

We enjoyed a night filled with life’s sweet pleasures,

The cups of joy circled, and we reveled in happiness.

Who drank from the cup of joy,

And who plucked roses from the cheeks of beauty,

Until the garden of night faded with dawn,

And swapped the violet blossoms for thorns.

Recall those nights even if they have passed,

They will not return to us today.

As we exchanged whispers,

The green branches would bend and bow,

If only love were open and we could freely declare it,

For I complain to God of the one who mocks me,

Grant me a space in your heart so we could be together.

My sign points to the rising moon,

And it indicates the one I long for silently.

Oh, how can my heart bear to be shot by gazes,

That seem to have mastered the art of longing?

My friends, will I find rest from this sleepless night,

Perhaps a vision will visit my weary eyes.

Without the absent ones, I am burdened with tears,

Flowing alone while my heart mourns the distance.

I have kept my promises, even with the far-off lands,

And our love has shown in sincerity.

I love unconditionally,

And may our bonds not be severed by any trials.

A friend who betrays love is no true friend,

There’s no virtue in friendship that is as fickle as time.

A beloved one who is dear to me remains trustworthy,

He tends to the kindness we share with each other.

And every horse seeks out wealth for generosity,

And spends his precious possessions in times of giving.

If I were the richest of people,

I would still not part ways from Salman, even in wealth.

When the call of happiness sounds, I respond with joy,

Sending a bird of glad tidings wherever it flies.

I have gazed upon the noble with admiration and beauty,

Yet I found none more dazzling than his radiance.

The noblest and most generous of them,

The highest in worth and the most protective of us.

How often they spoke of generosity’s day,

So I concluded my stories with praise for him.

And he continues to share poetry about his noble qualities,

By spinning tales of honor and virtue.

With each poem woven, even the finest ones echo his greatness,

The flatterers have composed their verses ardently.

With all my being, he who stands by me is a treasure,

Through all the trials and adversities, I find solace.

Even if his kindness has faltered,

When the world fades, I shall rely on his love.

But should a dispute spark between us,

Bring forth your forgiveness and discuss it openly.

Indeed, I am he who stands firm, yet humble,

In my distance from wrongdoing, I remain steadfast.

As God is my witness, my heart remains unyielded,

My delays have no blame but time’s action.

Alas, seek clarity to understand our distance,

For perhaps you can discern the truth between us.

If I am wrong, let me be done wrong,

Your kindness is a light, my dear friend.

For should I remain cheerful, may happiness follow,

Everlasting joy shall remain with you.

Reflections on the Beloved

You ask me about my biography, yet what can I say? Upon meeting you, I experienced a rebirth. Your image occupies my thoughts both day and night — in my work and in my leisure, in my speech and in my silence, in my joy and in my sorrow. You flow through my veins, your whispers echo in my ears, and the light in your eyes is the beacon that draws me in. Your smile remedies my sorrows, your words heal my wounds, my longing for you shatters the monotony of life. What else can I write about my biography but you fill every word and phrase? Even the letters of my name carry the melody of my life since you entered it. Will you remain in it, or will you leave, departing and leaving my biography without an identity? Because you are my identity.

Have you not seen in my eyes just how deeply I love you? I am a captive of your affection, as if you possess the keys to my heart and soul. How can I break free from my devotion to you, when your essence has dissolved within me, and I cannot recognize life without you?

From time to time, nostalgia plays with my heart; sometimes accompanied by a pang of yearning for those I love. Some present yet unseen by the eye, some absent yet imprisoned in love within my heart.

When you became the ocean, I did not wave at them asking for rescue; instead, I bid them farewell, savoring the moment. You are my smile in times of sorrow, my remedy in illness, my safety in fear, and everyone else fades away when they depart.

Messages to the Beloved

Message One:

By God, my heart, conceal your love,

And hide what you suffer from those who gaze upon you,

For whoever confides in another is like a fool,

Silence and discretion suit those who adore.

By God, my heart, if you are questioned,

About the cause of your affliction,

Keep it to yourself.

Message Two:

The beloved asks me what I desire from you?

Let me clarify: I seek your safety,

Your tenderness, your homeland,

A home, a shade,

Warmth,

Life with you,

My past, present, and future with you,

A look from your eyes that tells me I’m still okay,

A touch of your hand to restore my heart’s peace,

And tears that fall only from overwhelming joy,

And pain that vanishes upon seeing you; I need you, just you.

Message Three:

The most beautiful words reside within the eyes,

Words that cannot be expressed by any language,

How can I lie before your gaze, filled with the warmth of years,

Bathed in a magical light that attracts all who see,

I fear for you from the envious eyes,

And I would hide you from all who witness.