Our choices define who we are not circumstance

8th Poetry Post - Sunday, November 10, 2024

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I am late on this post as I was traveling back home from Mexico to Dhahran, Saudi Arabia.

Events of recent weeks, sparked in me reflections on identity. These events brought to mind a question posed to Eliya Abu Madhi when he was invited back from America to join an evening of poetry. The esteemed Arab-Lebanese-American poet answered a somewhat arrogant question around his own identity with a stirring poem, embodying the essence of being Arab—a lineage of valour and honour tracing back to iconic figures such as Antarah ibn Shaddad, Al-Shanfarah, and Usama ibn Munqidh.

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His poem in Arabic followed by an English translation:

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Free am I, and every free man’s

creed my own,

Not a zealot or fanatic be I known.

For the noble, I fiercely take a stand,

Condemn those unmoved by just demand.

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I cherish all the polite, even if they're foes,

And pity the rude, wherever life goes.

My heart abhors to be cause of harm,

The love of spite, like a scorpion's charm.

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Repay insult with insult I could easily do,

But I'd find false thunder a hollow pursuit.

For the wrongdoer's own remorse is enough,

In his secret heart he wishes he'd held rebuff.

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Not fooled by cloaks and jewels bright,

For under rich robes may lie disease in sight.

Your eyes behold his garb so grand,

Yet his soul, rough as untamed land.

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If trouble descends on a friend dear,

I defend with tooth and claw, fierce and near.

I strengthen his weak arm with mine,

Shield his bare shoulder, make his burden fine.

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I see his flaws as if they were naught,

His virtues, even those unwrought.

Blame myself first if I err and deride,

No complaint if he wounds my pride.

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Close I remain unless pride walks in,

Then I keep my distance, won't let it win.

In my conscience, I abide staying strong,

Marching with integrity, my lifelong song.

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If the ignorant dismiss my worth unseen,

Stars still burn bright despite a puddles' meek sheen.

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In our core, is that which differentiates us, anchors us, and gives us identity. Circumstances do not define us, only our choices.