وكأن مثار النقع فوق رءوسنا وأسيافنا ليل تهاويكواكبه

Bashar ibn BurdArabic1 lines1 public analyses
Original Poetry
Translation
وكأن مثار النقع فوق رءوسنا وأسيافنا ليل تهاويكواكبه
As if the dust rising above our heads And our swords are a night with falling stars
 

Explanation

This line of poetry by Bashar ibn Burd uses a powerful simile to convey the intensity and chaos of battle. The 'dust rising above our heads' suggests the tumult and movement of warriors in combat. The comparison of their swords to a 'night with falling stars' evokes a vivid image of glittering blades moving swiftly and unpredictably, much like stars falling from the sky. This imagery not only highlights the beauty and danger of the scene but also emphasizes the skill and valor of the warriors. Bashar ibn Burd, being blind, was known for his exceptional ability to create such vivid imagery, demonstrating his mastery over language and poetic form.

Word Dictionary9

WordIn ArabicIn EnglishPron.
وكأنكما لوas ifwa ka'anna
مثارمصدرsourcemathar
النقعالغبارdustan-naq'
فوقأعلىabovefawq
رءوسنارؤوسناour headsru'usina
وأسيافناسيوفناour swordswa asyaafina
ليلالليلthe nightlayl
تهاويسقوطfallingtahawi
كواكبهنجومهits starskawakibahu

Poet & Context

Era8th century

Bashar ibn Burd was a renowned Arab poet of the early Abbasid period. Despite being blind, he was celebrated for his vivid imagery and innovative use of language. His works often explored themes of love, war, and the human condition.

View on Wikipedia
When8th century
WhyThe poem reflects the martial spirit and the grandeur of Arab warriors. It uses vivid imagery to describe the chaos and majesty of battle, likening the scene to a night sky filled with falling stars.
FormClassical Arabic poetry

Themes & More

warvalorimagery
simile: comparing the scene to a night with falling starsimagery: vivid description of the battle scenealliteration: repetition of sounds for rhythmic effect
وكأن مثار النقع فوق رءوسنا وأسيافنا ليل تهاويكواكبه by Bashar ibn Burd — Poem, Translation & Meaning