1. Rumi (1207-1273)
* "The Guest House":
This poem explores the concept of welcoming all experiences, even the unpleasant ones, as guests in our lives.
> This being human is a guest house.
> Every morning a new arrival.
> A joy, a depression, a meanness,
> some momentary awareness comes
> as an unexpected visitor.
> Welcome and entertain them all!
> Even if they are a crowd of sorrows,
> who violently sweep your house
> empty of its furniture,
> still, treat each guest honorably.
> He may be clearing you out
> for some new delight.
> The dark thought, the shame, the malice,
> meet them at the door laughing,
> and invite them in.
2. Hafez (1325-1389)
* "The Beloved's Secret":
A love poem expressing the yearning for the Beloved and the mystery of love's secrets.
> The secret of the Beloved’s heart
> Is like the scent of roses
> It blows on every breeze
> And fills the air with sweetness.
> But who can catch it
> And hold it in their hand?
3. Ferdowsi (940-1020)
* "Shahnameh" (The Book of Kings):
Epic poem celebrating the Persian history and mythology, particularly the reigns of mythical and historical kings.
> The lion of Iran, the king of kings,
> Whose name is famed through all the world's domain,
> Whose might and prowess, like the sun's bright rays,
> Did spread their splendor o'er the earth and main.
> He conquered foes and ruled with righteous hand,
> And left a legacy for future times,
> A testament to Persia's ancient land,
> Where honor, courage, and true love combine.
4. Omar Khayyam (1048-1131)
* "Rubaiyat" (Quatrains):
A collection of quatrains exploring themes of love, life, death, and philosophy.
> A book of verses underneath the bough,
> A jug of wine, a loaf of bread – and Thou
> Beside me singing in the wilderness –
> And Wilderness is Paradise enow.
1. Al-Mutanabbi (915-965)
* "The Desert":
A poem describing the beauty and vastness of the desert, its solitude and majesty.
> I asked the desert about the traces of people,
> And she said: "They came, and I buried them."
2. Abu Nuwas (756-810)
* "The Wine":
A poem celebrating the pleasures of wine, music, and life.
> Fill up the goblet with wine,
> Let it be as bright as the sun,
> And let us sing and dance,
> Until the night is done.
3. Khalil Gibran (1883-1931)
* "The Prophet":
A collection of poetic prose exploring various aspects of life, love, and spirituality.
> Your children are not your children.
> They are the sons and daughters of Life’s longing for itself.
> They come through you but not from you,
> And though they are with you yet they belong not to you.
4. Ibn al-Rumi (836-896)
* "Ode to the City of Damascus":
A poem praising the beauty and grandeur of Damascus, its people, and its culture.
> Oh, Damascus, city of beauty and grace,
> Where the scent of jasmine fills the air,
> Your gardens are a paradise on earth,
> Your people are kind and fair.
This is just a small selection of Persian and Arabic poetry. There are many other poets and poems that deserve to be explored. I encourage you to delve deeper and discover the rich literary heritage of these languages.