واحر قلباه ممن قلبه شبم

Poem Translation:

Ah, burning heart, while his remains so cold,
And I, with sickness in my frame, grow old.
Why hide this love that wastes my very frame,
While nations claim to love Saif’s noble name?

If love for his bright star we both do share,
Then let our love be matched with portioned care.
I visited him when swords were sheathed in peace,
Yet saw him when the swords drew blood’s release.

Among God’s creatures, fairest he remains,
In virtues, too, no rival he attains.
The enemy’s swift flight your victory did bring,
Yet in your triumph, there’s a hidden sting.

Fear and awe, what others could not craft,
Yet you impose on yourself this heavy raft.
Why must you burden your soul with such weight,
That no land or banner can hide from fate?

Each time you sought a battle, yet they fled,
Your spirit chased them, conquering in dread.
Though they retreat, no shame on you shall rest,
For you are blameless, even in their quest.

Do you not see a victory sweet and true,
When Indian steel with Roman fingers drew?
Oh, just among men, save in dealing with me,
In you, the judge and the accused I see.

I beg your truthful gaze to save,
From thinking fat where merely swelling gave.
What use is sight if light and dark are one,
To him who sees no difference, sun or none?

The gathered crowd shall know from me today,
That none excels the path my steps display.
I am the one the blind man praised aloud,
And deaf ears heard my words in every crowd.

I sleep with peace, while others lie awake,
Debating words I uttered for their sake.
And ignorant fools, I laughed at in their stead,
Till wise hands reached them, by my voice led.

When lion’s teeth appear, don’t be deceived,
It’s not a smile but death that’s been conceived.
A heart, my heart, from sorrow could not save,
I found it on a steed swift as a wave.

With legs that run as one, and hands as one,
A force that does the bidding of hand and gun.
With sharpened steel, between two hosts I strode,
And struck as death’s own wave around me flowed.

The night, the steed, the desert, all know me,
The sword, the lance, the paper, and the pen, you see.
I wandered wild among the beasts alone,
Till hills and peaks knew me as their own.

Oh, those whom we can’t bear to part away,
To find all lost after you gone away.
How noble we would be in your embrace,
If only fate allowed us the same grace.

If joy you find in what our envier spoke,
Then wounds, if pleased, will never pain invoke.
Between us lies a bond you should recall,
For wisdom’s folk uphold such pacts for all.

How often have you sought a flaw in me,
Yet fail, and God despises your decree.
Far from my honor, blame or fault shall lie,
I am the stars; old age and graying are nigh.

Oh, that the clouds that bear my thunder’s might,
Would send them to those blessed with softer light.
I see each parting brings me to a place,
Too far for even swiftest steeds to trace.

If I depart, yet they remain my kin,
Regret shall surely visit those within.
When leaving those who wished you ne’er depart,
Then truly, they are gone who leave your heart.

The worst of lands, a place where no friends stay,
The worst of deeds, that which brings shame your way.
The worst of prey, caught by my hand’s might,
Is no better to me, be it hawk or kite.

With what words can such a fool as you,
Dare speak a verse that’s neither old nor new?
This is your rebuke, though love within it lies,
In words that hold pure pearls yet disguised.

Poem Explanation:

This poem by Al-Mutanabbi is a masterful blend of praise, lamentation, and subtle reproach. It’s addressed to Sayf al-Dawla, a prince whom Al-Mutanabbi served. The poet expresses his deep affection and admiration for the prince, juxtaposed with his own sense of neglect and unrecognized value.

Al-Mutanabbi conveys his inner turmoil, the pain of loving someone who seems indifferent, and the frustration of being unappreciated despite his undeniable talents and achievements. The poem also highlights the poet’s pride and sense of superiority, both in his poetic abilities and his personal virtues.

Through the poem, the themes of loyalty, honor, and the complexities of human relationships are explored. Al-Mutanabbi uses powerful imagery and rhetorical devices to express his feelings, making the poem a poignant and enduring piece of literature.