Nizar Qabbani: Complete Poetic Works, Volume One

The Complete Poetic Works, Volume One

Author: Nizar Qabbani

Is he a Syrian poet from Lebanon, or a Lebanese poet from Syria? Every Arab reader may find themselves reflected in him. Nizar Qabbani's poetry transcends geographical boundaries to become a human language. He carried the burden of poetry even if he didn't preach theories. His poem was his statement, and the love of people was its highest seal. This poetry, infused with fragrance, was not swept away by artificiality. He remained in harmony with his spontaneity. He is a goldsmith, not a manufacturer, a singer from the depths of the forest and from the silk of the bed, and his rhythm is like a gold scale. Just as Nizar dipped his pen into the heart of emotion, so it is our duty to dip our pens into Nizar's poetry. But alas! Who can rival him in his spontaneous flow? The poet of burning longing and stinging anger, the poet of the most intense fiery moments, our fire falls short of yours, for your glow penetrates through time. In you there is a fever that bridges absence with the hand that God extended in the form of Michelangelo to man.