More Ancient Arabic Sentiments
Battle in the Sky
(Ali ibn Musa ibn Said, of Alcala la Real, lived 1213-1286)
Arise, in the early morning, and pour the dawn wine for me, for the dawn of morning is like wine.
And the lightning flashes are swords, the clouds are squadrons, the rain arrows,
and the sounds of thunder are battle drums.
May the rivers be pardoned for putting on their armor, and the branches be forgiven for bowing in submission.
In Defense of Gray Hair
(Ibn Ghayyath, of Jerez, lived 1131- 1220s.)
They said “your hair is gray.” But I replied, “I’m amazed at you.
Is there anything wrong if the dawn mingles with the darkness?”
It isn’t really gray hair you see; it is only that the bay steed of youth
has become gray from so much running.
An Enchanting Girl Ibn Khayrah of Granada, ca 11th century,
O my friends, a young girl with a slim waist has taken over my heart.
She bends and enchantment spreads from her hips.
She has breasts like spear points that are aimed
Only to guard her fruit from being plucked.
(Ali ibn Musa ibn Said, of Alcala la Real, lived 1213-1286)
Arise, in the early morning, and pour the dawn wine for me, for the dawn of morning is like wine.
And the lightning flashes are swords, the clouds are squadrons, the rain arrows,
and the sounds of thunder are battle drums.
May the rivers be pardoned for putting on their armor, and the branches be forgiven for bowing in submission.
In Defense of Gray Hair
(Ibn Ghayyath, of Jerez, lived 1131- 1220s.)
They said “your hair is gray.” But I replied, “I’m amazed at you.
Is there anything wrong if the dawn mingles with the darkness?”
It isn’t really gray hair you see; it is only that the bay steed of youth
has become gray from so much running.
An Enchanting Girl Ibn Khayrah of Granada, ca 11th century,
O my friends, a young girl with a slim waist has taken over my heart.
She bends and enchantment spreads from her hips.
She has breasts like spear points that are aimed
Only to guard her fruit from being plucked.