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وكأن مثار النقع فوق رءوسنا وأسيافنا ليل تهاويكواكبه by Bashar ibn Burd — Analysis & Translation

2 min read Arabic

Original Poem

وكأن مثار النقع فوق رءوسنا وأسيافنا ليل تهاويكواكبه

Translation (English)

As if the dust rising above our heads And our swords are a night with falling stars

About the Poet

Bashar ibn Burd (8th century)

Bashar ibn Burd was a renowned Arab poet of the early Abbasid period. Despite being blind, he was celebrated for his vivid imagery and innovative use of language. His works often explored themes of love, war, and the human condition.

Historical Context

Literary Form
Classical Arabic poetry
When Written
8th century
Background
The poem reflects the martial spirit and the grandeur of Arab warriors. It uses vivid imagery to describe the chaos and majesty of battle, likening the scene to a night sky filled with falling stars.

Sources: https://www.palcurr.com/?qa=22054/, https://twitter.com/adab/status/278551314957467649, https://tatoeba.org/ar/sentences/show/523835, https://alarabi.nccal.gov.kw/Home/Article/9672, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arabic_poetry

Detailed Explanation

This line of poetry by Bashar ibn Burd uses a powerful simile to convey the intensity and chaos of battle. The 'dust rising above our heads' suggests the tumult and movement of warriors in combat. The comparison of their swords to a 'night with falling stars' evokes a vivid image of glittering blades moving swiftly and unpredictably, much like stars falling from the sky. This imagery not only highlights the beauty and danger of the scene but also emphasizes the skill and valor of the warriors. Bashar ibn Burd, being blind, was known for his exceptional ability to create such vivid imagery, demonstrating his mastery over language and poetic form.

Themes

  • war
  • valor
  • imagery

Literary Devices

  • simile: comparing the scene to a night with falling stars
  • imagery: vivid description of the battle scene
  • alliteration: repetition of sounds for rhythmic effect

Word Dictionary

Word Meaning Translation Transliteration
وكأن كما لو as if wa ka'anna
مثار مصدر source mathar
النقع الغبار dust an-naq'
فوق أعلى above fawq
رءوسنا رؤوسنا our heads ru'usina
وأسيافنا سيوفنا our swords wa asyaafina
ليل الليل the night layl
تهاوي سقوط falling tahawi
كواكبه نجومه its stars kawakibahu

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