مدَادُ مِنلُ خَافِيةِ الْغُرَابِ وأَقْلامٌ كَمُرْ هَفَةِ الْحِدَادِ (۱)

الحسن بن وهبArabic1 lines1 public analyses
Original Poetry
Translation
مدَادُ مِنلُ خَافِيةِ الْغُرَابِ وأَقْلامٌ كَمُرْ هَفَةِ الْحِدَادِ (۱)
Ink from the raven's feather And pens as sharp as the blacksmith's edge
 

Explanation

This poem by Al-Hasan ibn Wahb uses vivid imagery to describe the tools of writing. The ink is compared to the dark, glossy feather of a raven, emphasizing its deep black color and smooth texture. The pens are likened to the sharp blades crafted by a blacksmith, highlighting their precision and effectiveness. Through these comparisons, the poet elevates the act of writing to an art form, where the tools themselves are as beautiful and powerful as the words they create. This reflects the classical Arabic tradition of valuing eloquence and the written word.

Word Dictionary8

WordIn ArabicIn EnglishPron.
مدَادُحبرinkmadaad
مِنلُمثلlikemithlu
خَافِيةِريشةfeatherkhaafiyat
الْغُرَابِطائر أسودravenal-ghuraab
وأَقْلامٌأدوات الكتابةand penswa-aqlaamun
كَمُرْمثلaskamur
هَفَةِحدedgehafat
الْحِدَادِصانع السيوفblacksmithal-hidaad

Poet & Context

EraClassical Arabic Poetry

Al-Hasan ibn Wahb was a classical Arabic poet known for his eloquent and vivid imagery. His works often explore themes of nature and beauty, using rich metaphors and similes.

View on Wikipedia
WhenClassical period
WhyThis poem uses vivid imagery to describe the beauty and precision of writing tools, drawing parallels between natural elements and crafted objects.
FormClassical Arabic Poetry

Themes & More

NatureArtistryCraftsmanship
Metaphor: Ink is compared to a raven's feather.Simile: Pens are likened to blacksmith's blades.
مدَادُ مِنلُ خَافِيةِ الْغُرَابِ وأَقْلامٌ كَمُرْ هَفَةِ الْحِدَادِ (۱) by الحسن بن وهب — Poem, Translation & Meaning