The following poem is written by Mahmoud Darwish, a renowned Palestinian poet. Here is the arabic version with the translation translated version along with simple analysis:
ملأى السنابل تنحني بتواضع
والفارغات رؤوسهن شوامخ _
أذا امتلأت كف اللئيم من الغنى
تمايل أعجابا وقال : أنا … أنا ._
ولكن كريم الأصل كالغصن كلما
تحمل أثمارا تواضع وانحنى _
وما المرء الا كالشهاب وضوئه يحور رمادا بعد أذ هو ساطع _
وما المال والأهلون الا ودائع
ولا بد يوما أن ترد الودائع _
لعمرك ما تدري الطوارق بالحصى
ولا زاجرات الطير ما الله صانع .
“Fields of wheat bow in humility While empty heads stand proud.
When the palm of the miser fills with wealth It sways with admiration, saying: ‘I… I.’
Yet noble is the origin, like a branch That bends with humility when it bears fruit.
A person is like a shooting star Its light fades into ashes after it shines bright.
And wealth and loved ones are nothing but deposits One day, deposits must be returned.
By your life, you do not know the desert by its pebbles Nor the reins of birds, what God has made.”
Analysis:Humility vs. Arrogance: The poem begins by contrasting the behavior of wheat fields and empty heads. While the fields of wheat bow humbly under the weight of abundance, empty heads remain arrogant and proud. This juxtaposition highlights the theme of humility versus arrogance, suggesting that true wealth lies in modesty and gratitude.
The Miser’s Response to Wealth: The poem then shifts to depict the reaction of a miser when they acquire wealth. The palm of the miser fills with riches, and they become boastful and self-important, saying “I… I.” This illustrates how material wealth can often lead to arrogance and self-centeredness.
The Virtue of Humility: Contrastingly, the poem praises the virtue of humility, comparing it to the nobility of a branch that bends under the weight of its fruit. This metaphor suggests that true nobility lies in humility and grace, even in times of success and abundance.
Reflection on the Transient Nature of Life: The poem concludes with reflections on the transient nature of life and the inevitability of returning deposits. This serves as a reminder that worldly possessions and relationships are temporary, and ultimately, everything must be returned to its rightful owner.
Humility in the Face of Destiny: The final lines of the poem reflect on the mysteries of fate and the unknowable nature of the universe. It suggests that just as one cannot understand the desert by its pebbles or the flight of birds by their reins, humans must approach life with humility and acceptance of the divine will.
The hoodie which carries this great poem
