A comment was asked regarding which Arabic poem is my favorite. Hands down it is the Story of
Layla and Majnun (interpretation by Ahmad al-Alawi):
Full near I came unto where dwelleth
Layla, when I heard her call.
That voice, would I might ever hear it!
She favored me, and drew me to her,
Took me in, into her precinct,
With discourse intimate addressed me.
She sat me by her, then came closer,
Raised the cloak that hid her from me,
Made me marvel to distraction,
Bewildered me with all her beauty.
She took me and amazed me,
And hid me in her inmost self,
Until I thought that she was I,
And my life she took as ransom.
She changed me and transfigured me,
And marked me with her special sign,
Pressed me to her, put me from her,
Named me as she is named.
Having slain and crumbled me,
She steeped the fragments in her blood.
Then, after my death, she raised me:
My star shines in her firmament.
Where is my life, and where my body,
Where my willful soul? From her
The truth of these shone out to me
Secrets that had been hidden from me.
Mine eyes have never seen but her:
To naught else can they testify.
All meanings in her are comprised.
Glory be to her Creator!
Thou that beauty wouldst describe,
Here is something of her brightness
Take it from me. It is my art.
Think it not idle vanity.
My Heart lied not when it divulged
The secret of my meeting her.
If nearness unto her effaceth,
I still subsist in her substance.
Whoever would find a place in that world must tread on the lusts of this world. This world is dust and is perishable. That world is pure and eternal. . . . Commit yourself to love's sanctuary and at once find freedom from your ego. Fly in love as an arrow towards its target. Love loosens the knots of being, love is liberation from the vortex of egotism. In love, every cup of sorrow which bites into the soul gives it new life. Many a draft bitter as poison has become in love delicious. . . . However agonizing the experience, if it is for love it is well.
My daughter attended an Asian music performance last night at a local community college. From the start I knew I wanted any child of mine to be exposed to the diversity of humanity. Glad to say my hard work and perseverance paid off. My kid loves Japanese culture and is not intimidated by people who come from different backgrounds. Growing up secluded (almost) in Southern Indiana I faced prejudiced due to being bi-racial and I vowed my daughter would learn the value of being different and to be proud of her own heritage.
There was so much color, sound, flavors, energy....a wonderful visit. (Click on pictures to enlarge them).
Watching the American Sumos (from Hawaii) wrestle at the botanical gardens was a wonderful experience. My daughter had her picture taken with them along with gaining their autographs:
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