شعر البحتري – وأحب آفاق البلاد إلى الفتى

Poem Translation:

From Eastern hands, their bounty I have borne,
A treasure kept as Western lands I mourn.
Most dear the land where noble goals are found,
Where honor’s quest in fortune’s grace is crowned.

Among the sons of Yazdad, where I tread,
Their generous hands like rain unceasing spread.

Poem Explanation:

In these verses, Al-Buhturi reflects on his journeys between the East and West, highlighting the generosity he has received and how he has carried it forward as a valuable asset. This conveys a sense of gratitude and resourcefulness—showing how he uses past blessings to sustain himself in new lands.

He then expresses a philosophical view on belonging, asserting that the most beloved land is not necessarily one’s homeland, but the place where great aspirations are fulfilled.

Finally, he lavishes praise upon the Banu Yazdad, whose generosity he compares to nourishing rain, emphasizing their unwavering hospitality and noble character.

The poem’s elegant balance of gratitude, wisdom, and admiration makes it both a personal reflection and a tribute to honorable hosts.