RE: Love for a Camel (more information)

[neshura]

The language on this poem is simply luscious (as is common in classical arabic literature). Is it allegory? :D
I tend to think not, though I have difficulty accepting that level of interest in one's camel.

For credit's sake, the author of this poem is Tarafah ibn al-'Abd. This poem, along with classical and modern literature selections, may also be found in the Arabic section of the Cornell library.

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[Anonymous Monk]

No :) first He describes the camel, but you should notice that later he start praising his beloved (his woman) this is typical in classic arabic poetry (about horse, camel etc), any arab will tell you that. Can you pinpoint the transition between the description of Tarfa camel and that of the girl he loves! he start describing his camel, but later his woman (the camel is his "vehicle" to reach his love, a beautiful woman.. which he lavish with a generous yet elocuent words... ) when he start talking about his women! The text is very rich, inmensly elocuent (to say the least) and in the original language it ryhime gracefully! PS: in the classical time, the start describing their journy: his feeling , his beast (horse or camel) but gently move to his love sometimes it needs a keen eye to se that transition.. and they do that for many reason. Great piece thank you