وكأن مثار النقع فوق رءوسنا وأسيافنا ليل تهاويكواكبه
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.
| Word | Easy Meaning | Translation | Pron. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
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.
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