Beyond the Hoopoe’s Whisper: Embracing the Tapestry of Our Narrative
By: Mohammed Bashkar
My wakefulness has gathered, in place of my own eyes, a multitude to stand guard. They watch over an Andalusia that fell alongside Baghdad, in a Yemen yearning for what was. What queen walks upon our waters now, afraid to lift her skirts for fear of the wet? We long for the water to reclaim its own, for the ocean to stretch from Yemen to Najd, to Tetouan.
If only a hoopoe would return, bearing news of Solomon’s kingdom to a new Balqis. I refuse to believe that some poems, however poignant, can truly extinguish us. Not everything lost is gone forever. The sea will find its way back to the sea. A single drop of wine is enough to ignite our passion, even as they try to repaint us. Who will remind me of who I am, of who I was? I have become a kaleidoscope of colors, a reflection of countless influences.
I refuse to believe that I am merely the rubble of a fallen glory, destined to crumble further. Each time I revisit the past, I weep for it, imprisoned by the gaze of those who see only ruins. I refuse to believe that the winds will erase my footsteps, leaving me adrift, stripped of all identity.
I refuse to believe that mirrors merely replicate us, leaving us faceless and hollow.
I refuse to believe the lies I tell myself, the ones that transform my heart into a dwelling place for demons.
Unpacking the Poem’s Rich Symbolism
This powerful poem, published in the cultural supplement of “Al Alam” on July 11, 2024, uses evocative imagery and historical allusions to explore themes of loss, resilience, and the search for identity.
The hoopoe, a bird often associated with wisdom and communication in Islamic tradition, becomes a symbol of hope for a return to a glorious past. The reference to the Queen of Sheba (Balqis) and King Solomon further emphasizes this longing for a time of power and prosperity.
The poem’s speaker grapples with the weight of history, referencing the fall of Andalusia and Baghdad, pivotal moments that symbolize the decline of Islamic civilization. Yet, amidst the ruins, there’s a defiant refusal to succumb to despair. The speaker acknowledges the pain of loss but also emphasizes the enduring spirit of a people.
The imagery of water serves as a powerful metaphor for both destruction and renewal. The fallen cities are compared to a drowned landscape, yet the speaker yearns for the sea to “reclaim its own,” suggesting a potential for rebirth and restoration.
Connecting to a Broader Human Experience
While the poem draws heavily on Islamic history and symbolism, its themes resonate far beyond any specific cultural context. The struggle to maintain one’s identity in the face of change, the pain of lost glory, and the enduring power of hope are universal human experiences.
In a world grappling with rapid globalization and cultural shifts, the poem’s message feels particularly relevant. It serves as a reminder that even as we navigate the complexities of a changing world, we must hold onto our stories, our histories, and our capacity for hope.
