Does she love me, Maysoun?

Analysis of the Poem “Does She Love Me, Maysoun?” by Nizar Qabbani

The poem, a traditional masterpiece crafted by Nizar Qabbani, adheres to the light meter and was inspired by the October Liberation War of 1973. This poem diverges from Qabbani’s usual style of free verse, leading him to express heartfelt depictions such as:

Does she love me, Maysoun?

Or have I just imagined, as women often do?

Daughter of my uncle, and love is Umayyad,

How do I conceal my love and how do I reveal it?

In these opening lines, the poet cleverly refers to Damascus as Maysoun, drawing upon the historical figure Maysoun bint Bujdhal, the wife of the revered companion Muawiya ibn Abi Sufyan. This metaphor not only identifies Damascus with Maysoun but also emphasizes the poet’s deep connection to the city through the lens of love.

Do the mirrors of Damascus recognize my face

Or have the years transformed me anew?

Oh, time in Salhiya, so gracious,

Where is my passion, and where are my charms?

Here, Qabbani ponders whether Damascus still remembers him after all these years of separation. He wonders if its walls can still recall his presence, reflecting on the historic district of Salhiya and reminiscing about the enchanting days that have now faded into distant memories.

Oh, my bed and my mother’s sheets,

Oh, little birds, oh, fragrance and branches,

Oh, alleys of my neighborhood, conceal me

Between your eyelids; for time is frugal.

Forgive me if I appear melancholy,

For the beloved’s face is often sorrowful.

As the narrative unfolds, the poet delves into memories of the past, evoking the image of his mother’s sheets as symbols of nostalgia. He longs for familiarity, dreaming of hiding away from his present by retreating into the warmth of recollection and the companionship of his old neighborhood.

Here is Sham after the long separation,

Seven rivers and heavenly maidens,

Ah, Sham, how can I express what I feel,

When I am forever possessed by you?

Your fragrance permeates my skin,

As if it’s the jujube bloom.

Coming alone from the realms of the wind,

Embrace me like a child, O Qasioun.

In this segment, Qabbani struggles with the sadness of being apart from the city of jasmine and jujube. Standing before the mirror, he contemplates his feelings, acknowledging that although he does not reside in Damascus, the city resides eternally within him. Qasioun mountain, which surrounds the city, becomes a maternal figure, offering refuge in his time of isolation.

Is she crazy with desire for me,

Or am I the mad one?

If all destinies have forsaken me,

I find solace in my beloved’s eyes.

The poet now reflects on Damascus’s nurturing love for its children, suggesting that the city never forgets them, as if it has gone mad with longing. Even if the world turns its back on him, the city remains a constant source of embrace.

October has arrived, O beloved of my life,

It is the finest time for love, October,

And we have an appointment on Mount Sheikh.

How warm and affectionate is the snow!

Seven years of sorrow have passed,

During which the willow and olive have died.

October, the month that witnessed the war which restored some dignity to the Arabs, is presented as the best time for love, marking the transition from autumn to winter. The snow in Damascus is described not as harsh, but nurturing—reminiscent of warmth and memories. Seven years without setting foot in Damascus weigh heavily on the poet’s heart.

O Sham, the princess of my love,

How can the madman forget his passion?

The sun of Granada has shone upon us,

After despair, and Maysoun has chirped.

October has come; indeed, your face is much fairer

Than what October has ever graced.

Now, Qabbani’s muse is solely Damascus, where his heart wanders endlessly. He alludes to Granada, one of the lost Andalusian kingdoms, signaling a glimmer of hope for freedom. October is transformed into a symbol of beauty and liberation.

The Golan Heights resemble your eyes,

With flowing water, almond trees, and figs.

Tear up, O Damascus, the map of humiliation,

And tell destiny to be as it may.

Your days are restored by Badr,

And your youth has returned, thanks to Hattin.

Imagining the liberation of the occupied Golan Heights, Qabbani depicts Damascus as a strong and defiant figure that will reclaim its dignity. The tradition of Muslim conquests is evoked once more, as the city endeavors to reshape the map of the world, ripping apart humiliation and sorrow.

God has ordained that you be Damascus,

Where creation begins and ends.

The Romans were defeated after seven harsh years,

And our wounded conscience is healed.

Pull back, O Quneitra, of glory,

And adorn your eyes, O Hermon.

Recounting the Muslim conquests of Damascus from the Romans, Qabbani recalls the victories, the restoration of the city’s glory, and the dedication of those who fought for its liberation.

Teach us the principles of Arab identity, O Sham,

For you are the expression and explanation.

My homeland, O poem of fire and rose,

That sang of what the centuries fashioned.

Ride the sun, O Damascus, like a horse,

And may God be your protector and guide.

In this concluding segment, Damascus is celebrated as the emblem of glory, beauty, and freedom. The city occupies a celestial place among the stars, with God alone ensuring its perseverance and helping it triumph over adversity. Damascus serves as both the teacher of liberty and a key player in its pursuit.

Vocabulary Meanings in the Poem “Does She Love Me, Maysoun?”

The poem includes several key terms that warrant explanation:

Term	Meaning
Ghawā	Misguidance.
Hawā	Love and longing for the other.
ʿAjāf	Sick and emaciated.

Artistic Imagery in the Poem “Does She Love Me, Maysoun?”

Several artistic images appear throughout the poem:

O time in Salhiya, so gracious.

This line likens time to a kind and virtuous man, illustrating a metaphor.

O alleys of my neighborhood, conceal me.

This metaphor portrays alleyways as people who have behavior, capable of hiding the poet.

Is she crazy with desire for me?

Here, Damascus is personified as a woman in love, a metaphor that lends a human aspect to the city.

The snow is warm.

Qabbani employs a bold simile here, depicting snow as warm due to the influences of love and memory.

Core Ideas in the Poem “Does She Love Me, Maysoun?”

The poem encapsulates several central ideas:

The poet’s inquiry into his city’s feelings towards him.
Recollections of old neighborhoods and the memories they contain.
Reflections on motherly love and the home once lived in.
Expressing affection for Damascus, portrayed as the first and last object of love.
Discussion of the Muslim conquests and the resurgence of past glories.
Celebration of the beauty of October as a month of victories.