Nabati Poetry

Nabati Poetry بقلم سعد الصويان ... My heart is set ablaze by anxieties; it simmers as if on glowing embers Oh, treacherous fate, how quick it turns! My happy days suddenly changed to adversity was so far ahead of misfortune before, but now it tramples upon me with its shod hooves used to wear a badge of distinction, and led the troops astride a noble steed When enemy horsemen attacked, I was the first to meet them and cover the retreat of my kinsmen But today, I have no mount on which to carry my baggage how shameful! I have been humbled and subdued how painful is misfortune! Gone are the glorious days have often asked, where is my son, who spills the red blood of the enemy have often wondered, where is my beloved son Enemy horses flee when they hear his thunderous voice; he terrifies the mares on the battlefield He chases them like an eagle; vultures dine on the flesh of his enemies From Chapter III, “Poetry in the Desert” a nineteenth century tribal chief laments the passing of his glorious days