Bathing in the Fountain of Beauty

The following are translations of poems by the Omani poet Hilal al Hajri (1968-) from his collection titled: “Like a Mountain Bird Watching the Collapse of the World”, (Beirut 2013):

YEARNING

Crying on this naked tree for spring Does this dove know I long for you as camels do for leaving? I’ve just decided to track this river. With my unhurried steps I’ll seek its genesis And will find you there Bathing in the fountain of beauty and purity. Only then will I know I’ve reached Paradise!

A VOW

O injured child, I’ll trace your steps Next to the river In fields and on pavements. I’ll show them my yeaning Ask them to keep my heart Broken like glass Every step Every step has its share of blood and tears!

WEALTH

Pride of palms Memories of childhood playgrounds Yearning of narrow alleys Cooing of doves drunk at dawn Scent of trees Smell of clay in valleys Greetings of kindly town folk

These’re the wealth I reaped from a quick walk After dawn prayers in my town, “Al Waasil”

A wealth I shall always cherish.

STAR ACKNOWLEDGEMENT:

O star I greet you Give you this earth that flows in my blood Embrace her with your mighty haughtiness Pour on her sparks of care and nobility Don’t leave it for night brokers and pimps Shed upon her Even if a single tear To purify her from the wreck.

A CALL FOR HELP

O seagulls Stroking the skies of the Arabian Sea O clouds Far away from the dreams of simple folk O sacred haze I call on you all With God’s 99* names Fill my lungs with freedom. It’s gloomy and dark The ghosts toy with the dawn’s lines.

CAMBRIDGE

Farewell Cambridge Kingdom of rivers and tender skies Temple of knowledge and meditation Chorus of wine and rain Brimming with defiance and dalliance I trust to you my wild days Days I spilled over your alleys and riverbanks. Remember this, my mellow girl: I wasn’t like your stupid tourists Busy with museums and mummies I was true to life And penetrated your mysterious charms! *According to the Islamic tradition, God has 99 names (or attributes). Muslims are urged to repeat those names all the time (the translator).