“تعلَقنا بضؤ الشمس مشنوقا على الآفاقتحت عباءة مخنوقة الأنوارتساقط وهجنا شهبا على هاماتنا كالنارتحدثنا.. تندرنا.. و ثرثرنا ملأنا الدارفلم تصك أذن الفيل لم تتحرك الأحجارو لم يسقط الأشرارفكانوا كلهم أشرار”

Quote Analysis:

In this quote by the Iraqi poet Al-Zain Abbas Amarah, the imagery of the sun hanging, choked by the horizons, creates a sense of suffocation and oppression. The imagery of the light falling like meteor showers on their shoulders adds to the feeling of burden and weight. The mention of talking, gossiping, and filling the house with noise contrasts with the stillness and lack of response from the elephant and stones, emphasizing the isolation and futility of their words and actions. The final statement, "فكانوا كلهم أشرار" translates to "so they were all villains," indicating a sense of disillusionment and despair. The overall tone of the quote conveys a feeling of captivity, powerlessness, and darkness.

Modern Relevance

The poem by Al-Zain Abbas Ammara reflects on the frustration and disillusionment of individuals who feel marginalized and voiceless in society. Despite speaking out and sharing their grievances, they are met with indifference and inaction from those in power. This sentiment of being ignored and dismissed is still prevalent in today's world, where marginalized groups continue to struggle for their voices to be heard and their concerns to be taken seriously. The poem serves as a reminder of the importance of amplifying the voices of those who are often overlooked and advocating for meaningful change in society.

Poetic Passage from "الزين عباس عمارة"

Here is a poetic passage from the work of الزين عباس عمارة:

“تعلَقنا بضؤ الشمس مشنوقا على الآفاق
تحت عباءة مخنوقة الأنوار
تساقط وهجنا شهبا على هاماتنا كالنار
تحدثنا.. تندرنا.. و ثرثرنا ملأنا الدار
فلم تصك أذن الفيل لم تتحرك الأحجار
و لم يسقط الأشرار
فكانوا كلهم أشرار”

Reflection Questions:

This poem by Al Zein Abbas Amara evokes powerful imagery and emotions. As you reflect on these verses, consider the following questions:

1. What do you think the poet is trying to convey through the imagery of the sun, lights, and falling embers?

2. How does the juxtaposition of light and darkness in the poem contribute to its overall mood and message?

3. The poet mentions speaking, hearing, and movement. How do these elements relate to the theme of connection and communication in the poem?

4. In the last line, the poet refers to "the wicked." Who do you think these individuals represent in the context of the poem, and why are they described as such?

Take your time to ponder these questions and explore the deeper layers of meaning in this poignant piece of literature.