Ulayya bint al-Mahdī
Abbasid poet Ulayya bint al-Mahdī was, as her name alludes, daughter of the caliph al-Mahdī, but was also sister to Harun al-Rashid, whose legend features prominently in the 1,001 Nights. In addition to her talent in verse, she was also acclaimed for her musical gifts.
Reading List
To Thirst
Translated from the Arabic by Will Pewitt To thirst is no sin. So, Raib: Stuff me full of fire. Tear out all my tears. Oh, Lord of Mystery: I’ve hidden his true name from my tongue. But still I carry my desire on me, a treasure so far deeper than my pocket. القلبُ مشتاقٌ […]
Clothed in the Water
Translated from the Arabic by Will Pewitt Clothed in the water of your generosity. Given liberally, yet ephemerally, I’m soaked yet unclothed. A brother can fast, he can kneel. But greed cannot uncurse itself. أَلْبِسِ الماءَ المداما وآسقني حتّى أناما وأَفِضْ جودك في الناسِ تكنْ فيهم إماما لعنَ اللهُ أخا البخـ لِ وإن صلّى […]
Hold This Hint
Translated from the Arabic by Will Pewitt Hold this hint as a letter. Trust this glance like a courier. Imagine if they read what our eyes write. Secrets remain ever afloat if they’ve never been said. صحائفُنا إشار تُنا وأكشرُ رُسْلنا الحَدَقُ لأنَّ الكُتْبَ قد تُقرا وليسَ بر سْلِنا نَثِقُ