This post is by Frank Larnerd
April is National Poetry Month and the Academy of American Poets is using the celebration to promote poetry across the nation’s schools and libraries.
But if they knew the power they were unleashing, they might have stayed quiet.
See, some folks think of poetry as fluffy pleasing words crafted for boring intellectuals who drink Earl Grey tea.
Truth is… poetry is magic – real magic that can change the world.
Before Islam dominated the region, many different religions and customs existed in the Middle East. Vast kingdoms of nomadic people held many strange beliefs. One that has been mostly forgotten is that of the Sha’ir.
The Sha’ir were poets, but also much more. They served as shaman, able to converse with powerful demons and bestow powerful blessings. The Sha’ir could also use love poetry to swoon beautiful women, or war poems to weaken their foes.
A Sha’ir could generate powerful maledictions by removing one sandal and reciting curses. Their words become like falling arrows, piercing their enemies with poisoned tips.
The Sha’ir became well known for their epic poems filled with bravery and passion, one such poet was Antarah Ibn Shaddad.
Antarah Ibn Shaddad lived in present day Saudi Arabia over fourteen hundred years ago. He was born to an Ethiopian slave girl, but it was obvious to everyone that he was the son of respected member of the Banu Abs tribe. Still, Antarah was kept as a slave, dreaming of freedom and the love of his beautiful cousin Ibla.
When he was ten, Antarah slayed a wolf that attacked his father’s flocks, but it was his poem about the encounter that helped sustain his victory.
O thou wolf, eager for death, I have left thee wallowing in dust, and spoiled of life; thou wouldst have the run of my flocks, but I have left thee dyed with blood; thou wouldst disperse my sheep, and thou knowest I am a lion that never fears. This is the way I treat thee, thou dog of the desert. Hast thou ever before seen battle and wars?
Soon Antarah’s strength and bravery became well known, and when invading tribes attacked, his father asked him to serve in battle. Antarah claimed that he was a slave and was only worthy of slave duties. In response, his father freed him, finally accepting him as his son.
Antarah went on to be a great warrior, noted for his valiant courage, the might of his sword, and the power of his words. His sword “Dhami,” meaning the trenchant, was forged from a meteorite. His horse “Abjer” was unmatched in nobility and speed by any steed of prince or emperor.
Antarah fought many battles for the Banu Abs, but without the love of his cousin Ibla, his heart was empty.
But there was no time for heartache; a new terror had turned its hungry eyes to the Banu Abs tribe. Led by the fearsome warrior Gheidac, these nomadic raiders relished the thought of defeating the famed Antarah in battle and stealing the riches of the Banu Abs.
It is said that on the field of battle, the poet shouted at Gheidac, and that his words filled the warrior with horror. Roaring like a lion, Antarah raised up Dhami and with two strokes of the blade, cut Gheidac and his horse into four equal pieces. Pieces so precise, they say that it appeared he divided them with scales.
After the battle, Antarah brought his spoils of war to the Abla’s father as a dowry and soon they were wed. Members of three hundred and sixty tribes came to their wedding feast.
Once a slave, Antarah was now a hero.
Even after his death, Antarah Ibn Shaddad’s poems live on, inspiring all those who dream of something more.
So this April, use your words and make your own magic. Rise up from your humble roots, conquer your enemies, and find true love… even if it’s only a line at a time.
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