Arab Love Poetry Hala: We Call to the Eye & the Night
When you hear of Arab Love Poetry Hala, what comes to into your mind immediately? Is it Hala Alyan, Zeina Hashem Beck’s “We Call to the Eye & the Night”?
Yes it is. It is landmark anthology that were gathered together almost two-hundred vibrant English-language love poems by living writers of Arab descent.
We Call to the Eye and to the Night is an amalgam of eminent poets —Hayan Charara, Leila Chatti, Nathalie Handal, Fady Joudah, and Naomi Shihab Nye, among them—and those who have just started to make their mark.
These poets are descended from diverse countries and represent a breathtaking intersection of voices, experiences, and opinions.
Divided into whimsical sections (named for lines from poems they include), the anthology features an evocative array of erotic and romantic selections, as well as ones portraying love of family, friends, heritage, and homeland.
Exquisitely curated and introduced by acclaimed writers Hala Alyan and Zeina Hashem Beck, We Call to the Eye and to the Night is at once sexy, sensuous, adventurous, and nostalgic—a treasury of love emanating from the Arab world and its diaspora.
About We Call to the Eye & the Night
Arab love poetry, often referred to as “Hala” (sweetness, beauty, or charm) in its essence, is one of the most profound expressions of affection and longing in Arab culture.
It is rooted in rich traditions of oral and written poetry, dating back to pre-Islamic times, known as the Jahiliyyah era.
This poetry reflects themes of passion, devotion, separation, and unrequited love.
Key Features of Arab Love Poetry
1. Imagery and Symbolism
Nature metaphors (deserts, gazelles, the moon, stars) are used to describe the beauty of the beloved.
Similes and comparisons elevate the beloved’s allure, often portraying them as unattainable or divine.
2. Themes
– Ishq (Passionate Love): Describes deep, consuming love that is often melancholic.
– Ghazal: A poetic form focusing on love and the pain of separation.
– Separation and Longing: Common due to tribal conflicts or societal restrictions.
– Idealization of the Beloved: Portraying the beloved as perfect, even if their love is not returned.
3. Influence of Pre-Islamic Poets
Poets like Antara ibn Shaddad and Imru’ al-Qais immortalized romantic ideals with their verses.
– Example from Imru’ al-Qais:
_“Stop, let us weep at the memory of a beloved and a dwelling, at the edge of the sands between Dakhool and Howmal.”_
4. Spiritual and Mystical Love
Later Islamic poets, such as Rumi and Ibn Arabi, infused Sufi mysticism into love poetry, equating the love of the beloved with the love of God.
Modern Arab Love Poetry
Modern poets like Nizar Qabbani revolutionized Arab love poetry by breaking taboos and introducing contemporary expressions of love, blending sensuality with deep emotional connection.
– A famous line from Qabbani
_“Love me beyond the boundaries of time; love me in a city with no walls.”_
Would you like a specific example or a particular focus on one poet?