14th. Today is love talk day. Not the soppy kind, definitely not pedantic, and I will try not to be foolishly hopeful either. Just observations.Â
But as I sit down to write this, words seem inadequate. I have been trying, writing and deleting it all. When it comes to love, so much has already been said, understood and ignored. Words can sometimes be too restrictive. So this year, let me bring you something to look at instead.Â
I found an old Arabic treatise and an Egyptian manuscript with beautiful illustrations. Art speaks to us in many different ways. Perhaps you will find what it is trying to say.
love,
comes
unexpectedly
in all shapes and kinds

13th-century Arabic treatise by Zakariya al-Qazwini
as
floating halves
hoping seeking and swiping

13th-century Arabic treatise by Zakariya al-Qazwini
we fly with fish
and willingly drown

13th-century Arabic treatise by Zakariya al-Qazwini
soft eyes of the beast
nails, flesh and no sleep

Egyptian Kalīlah wa Dimnah, 1310
between us
walls, silence and other things

Egyptian Kalīlah wa Dimnah, 1310
madness has a quiet way

13th-century Arabic treatise by Zakariya al-Qazwini
alone, together
love feels the same

Persian book of astrology, 1921
will you find me againÂ
in a different time
another place...

8th-century Arabic fables of Ibn al-Muqaffa
Happy Valentines.
I hope you are celebrating. Whether you’re single, double, with your cat, or your coffee. Today is just an excuse to read a little poetry, and feel hopeful.
Comments