JAWDAT FAKHREDDINE

thinking that they are temptation or a call. Houses . . . I wonder whether it is fear that brings them together so they beckon each other to a spot in wilderness, so that, when they have gathered, they may perhaps discover themselves in an enduring peace

Sanaa has an ancient face and we are the ones who have appealed to it, staring from a balcony in the sky, its magic has swept us away, so we have plunged together into its in sweeping splendor.

May, 1992

1 The Great Mosque in Sanaa Old City 2 A muqil is a gathering of people at sunset to chew qat, the plant referred to above.

LAND

The mighty warrior cannot remain on the level ground, nor does escape benefit the lowly. (from the mu‘allaqah of Al-Harith ibn Hillizah)

1

Words, I watched them quickly cross the field and the space awakened. Words, that waft past the frail trees and are beset by tears. Words,

46 BANIPAL 53 – SUMMER 2015