The Most Challenging Lines of Poetry
Throughout our study of poetry and our reading of ancient verses, we have undoubtedly encountered many challenging lines that may be difficult for readers to interpret without some explanation. Below is a collection of verses that are considered particularly difficult:
Poetry from the Pre-Islamic Era
Among the most challenging lines of poetry from the Pre-Islamic era are the following:
- Al-Shanfarā in his renowned Lāmiyyah states:
Stand still, O sons of my mother, your mounts!
::: For I am inclined towards a people other than you.
The needs have become pressing, and the night is bright,
::: While we harness the steeds and set off.
There is in the land a refuge for the noble from harm,
::: And in it, a haven for one fearing conflict.
By your life, there is no narrowness on earth for one,
::: Who moves either seeking or fearing, and is wise.
And I have companions, a noble lord very generous
::: And a mottled, brave one, and reliable comrades.
They are indeed the trustworthy, and no secret is divulged
::: Among them, nor does the transgressor feel at ease.
Each is proud and valiant, yet I say,
::: When the first prey appears, I am the most courageous.
- Imru’ al-Qais in his poem “Dima Al-Hatlā”:
A heavy rain, dark and pouring,
It blankets the earth, transforming it swiftly.
It unveils affection if it grows thorny
And conceals it if it expresses displeasure.
And you see the swift lizard, adept,
Second only to the confident chameleon.
- Ibn al-Atnābah in his poem “Sarmed Thalimah Khilate and Murāsili”:
Thalimah has severed ties and distanced herself,
Jealous of provisions for the traveler.
Ignorant, she doesn’t realize, Thalimah, that I
Have found solace far from the one who is silent.
My mount is at my discretion, where I want it to go,
As I venture towards a heedless locality.
What of you, O shadow, do you know of a bond
Where beauty draws its bow like a gazelle by a ravine?
Poetry from the Early Islamic and Umayyad Periods
Some of the most challenging lines of poetry from the Early Islamic and Umayyad periods include:
- Al-Farazdaq in his poem “By your life, what can a sacrificed one do for my dwelling”:
By your life, what can a sacrificed one do for my dwelling
And the uncertainties of my soul, heavily laden.
And my journey, when the darkness gathers,
Over the knees until they reckon it a valley.
And I told my companions, “Did they, upon clarifying,
Appear as though they chase after the desires of the heart?”
And in a place where foes locate we dwell, as if,
We are dancing through the stars.”
In the din of numerous echoes, I hear ever more,
Steadily as nightflakes dance light on barren land.
And if the nighttime precipice approaches
You would think it a ridge with lineages approaching.
And if the distance unravels, none will be missed,
Though we remain in the territory of the enemy, for nights unending.
We would descend alongside, we, whenever, in like manner, shall lead,
Carvings of interwoven tales.
- Qais ibn al-Mulawwah in his poem “And by He who established Thabir’s place”:
And by He who established Thabir’s place,
Underneath the cloud above him stands still.
And he has not traversed the path by every sorrow,
Like the blade of a sword, descending it holds.
Indeed, I lived for a time in love with Layla,
A brother unto death, while some lovers deceive.
- Al-Akhtal in his poem “Alas, at dawn the pledges separate”:
Alas, at dawn the pledges separate,
So you cease your tears while they pour forth.
And the daughters of the Bul‘aman flourish like
Lean maidens clamping down the pledges.
They twirl in the rehearsal with that unique firebrand,
On their shoulders, with strands clad of cow hides.
I saw the father of Al-Najjār grazing his camels,
And many goats distracted while his steeds roam.
Poetry from the Abbasid Era
Among the most intricate lines of poetry from the Abbasid period are:
- Al-Mutanabbi:
Live, remain, state, establish, be kind, attend,
This is a prayer that, if I were silent, you would have sufficed,
For I have asked Allah for you and indeed, He has granted.
He also said:
Ask, state, O! Preserve, kindle your energy, bring forth,
Increase, smile, reveal, forgive, lead me closer,
- Ibn al-Farid in his poem “Does Layla’s fire pass in the night?”:
Does Layla’s fire pass in the night, in Dhī Salam,
Or is it a flash in the Zawra, marking the time?
O souls of Naaman, would that a breeze at dawn
And water from the gushing springs quenched my throat.
O driver of the caravan, who crosses the vast land,
While he folds the record from the sage of Idam.
Rely on the hamlet, may Allah protect you, resting,
In the garden of the lost, adorned with the scents of love.
Pause at Sal‘, and inquire with sadness if it has rained,
In the gray spots of the twisted terrain.
- Al-Asma’i in his poem “Would the Whistle of the Nightingale”:
The sound of the nightingale’s whistle
Stirred my heart to quiver.
The water and the flowers intertwining
Along with the blossoms of your charming gaze.
And you, O my lord,
My master, and the one who has fulfilled my wishes,
How many times did I long for
To find a tender voice near your presence.
I plucked it from the cheek
From the lips of shy roses.
And so, he progressed, galloping,
And the maidens leaned back, cheerfully,
From the act of this person.
So the lamentations poured forth,
“Oh, dear me! Oh! Let not thy lament be heard,”
Said to him when he was in such a state.
Revive and provide by conveying,
And a youthful crowd served me,
A coffee like honey sweet,
Whiffed through the air,
This aroma richer than cloves,
In the midst of a blooming orchard.
With flowers and joy abound,
The oud rhythmically played for me,
And the drum beat perceived thus,
So it went thudding, drumming to me,
And the ceiling resonated along with me.
And dancing graciously welcomed me,
Cooking for me above,
On a slender donkey,
Walking on three legs,
Like the gait of a charming animal,
And the people would hurl praises,
As I walk with a heart full.
But I fled hurriedly,
From the fear of dreadful giants,
To the meeting of a king,
One held in great esteem,
He commanded for me a robe,
Red as blood, brightened for me,
Pulling it on while walking,
Moving swiftly to come across.
I am the most illustrious scholar,
Of the region of Mosul,
I have composed lines adorned,
In poetry no mind can equal,
As I proclaim in its opening,
The sound of the nightingale’s whistle.