شعر ابن زريق البغدادي – لا تعذليه

Poem Translation:

Blame not his heart, for blame doth fan the fire,
Thy words ring true, yet he resists thy choir.
Thy chidings pass the bounds that soothe the soul,
And wound him more than wisdom’s soft control.
Then gentler speak, with kindness guide his way,
For grief hath seized his heart and holds its sway.

Poem Explanation:

The poem by Ibn Zuraik al-Baghdadi conveys a heartfelt plea against harsh blame. The speaker addresses someone who is chastising a sorrowful lover, explaining that excessive reproach only deepens his suffering. Though the criticism may be justified, it falls on deaf ears, for a heart in pain does not heed harsh words. Instead, the speaker advises gentleness and compassion, as the afflicted lover is already overwhelmed by grief. The tone is melancholic yet tender, emphasizing the power of kindness over severity.