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Hakawati, A glimpse of tradition |
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Nov 29 03, 19:55
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Group: Gold Member
Posts: 1,547
Joined: 4-August 03
From: Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Member No.: 13
Real Name: Daniah
Writer of: Poetry
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Through a labyrinth of narrow twisting alleyways where rooftops stand erect at kissing distance, and cobblestones line the rutted streets, the Old City of Damascus thrives in regal posture.
Merchants, pushing laden barrows, compete by day for the right of passage through splendid mosques and khans. The air, flooded by pungent aromas of spice and sweets, intwines the past and present in a heady mixture.
As night spreads darkness across a fiery sky, men seek their nightly respite at the coffeehouse, nestled in the shadows of the Ummayad Mosque. Biding time over a backgammon's rolling dice.
Winners and losers bellow their luck in rousing cries as scores of coffee and tea cups clutter round tables. Silence upon his entry... the game is forgotten.
Clad in a jilabiya of fine silk threaded in gold he sits upon his throne flanked by wooden chairs. The Hakawati begins to recite the courage of ancient warriors.
Pulling his audience into tales so deftly told he stands, while acting the poor helpless maiden, reciting poetry, then roaring loudly as her gallant savior.
He drags the tale out, till the nights have counted a year then ends it with a new beginning... addicting his public to return for yet another adventure.
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Nov 30 03, 08:24
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Mosaic Master
Group: Administrator
Posts: 18,892
Joined: 1-August 03
From: Massachusetts
Member No.: 2
Real Name: Lori Kanter
Writer of: Poetry & Prose
Referred By:Imhotep
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Wow Daniah!
This is a wonderful piece.
You've told it remarkably - as I felt I was living in the moment as I read each line through to conclusion!
Well done and thanks for sharing "Hakawati"!
~Cleo :pharoah:
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Guest__*
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Nov 30 03, 12:47
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Guest
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Hello Dania. This was a lovely surprise. For one dreadful moment I expected to find a Hawaian Haiku. Instead I find Scherezade, without the djinns. A great and mystic tale. You have saved your sisters for another night.
The scene is set deliciously in the first two verses. There may or may not be a spelling error in L8. entwines?
The arena unfolds to the sound of Omar Sharif and his like, intent on the game of dice. A fascinating game in itself, backgammon. One of my favourites, but I haven't got his moustache.
Then comes the story teller. A weaver of words.A spinner of spells.
Pulling his audience into tales so deftly told he stands, while acting the poor helpless maiden, reciting poetry, then roaring loudly as her gallant savior.
He drags the tale out, till the nights have counted a year then ends it with a new beginning... addicting his public to return for yet another adventure.
Without giving any secrets away, I have a routine which includes a long blonde wig, and a floppy rubber sword.
Sadly, my knightly hero is turned to toast by a fire eating dragon! The maiden disappears into the maw of the beast.
But I know what you mean.
Hugz
Tom .
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Nov 30 03, 17:45
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Group: Gold Member
Posts: 1,547
Joined: 4-August 03
From: Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Member No.: 13
Real Name: Daniah
Writer of: Poetry
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QUOTE (Cleo_Serapis @ Nov. 30 2003, 07:24) Wow Daniah!
This is a wonderful piece.
You've told it remarkably - as I felt I was living in the moment as I read each line through to conclusion!
Well done and thanks for sharing "Hakawati"!
~Cleo Dearest Lori,
Thanks so much for the sweet words... This is a glimpse into my life and a tradition in the Old City of Damascus...
I'm glad you liked it...
Daniah
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Nov 30 03, 17:56
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Group: Gold Member
Posts: 1,547
Joined: 4-August 03
From: Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Member No.: 13
Real Name: Daniah
Writer of: Poetry
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QUOTE (AkhenhatenII @ Nov. 30 2003, 11:47) Hello Dania. This was a lovely surprise. For one dreadful moment I expected to find a Hawaian Haiku. Instead I find Scherezade, without the djinns. A great and mystic tale. You have saved your sisters for another night.
[b] Well since I come from the City in which the myth of Sherazade was born, it felt only natural that I'll share a piece of an arabian night in the Old City with you... :)
The scene is set deliciously in the first two verses. There may or may not be a spelling error in L8. entwines?
oops... I'll have to relook the mening in the dic... I sometimes lose track of the difference...
The arena unfolds to the sound of Omar Sharif and his like, intent on the game of dice. A fascinating game in itself, backgammon. One of my favourites, but I haven't got his moustache.
Ah, Doctor Zhivago!!!! your desert experience shines through... :)
Then comes the story teller. A weaver of words.A spinner of spells. YES!
Pulling his audience into tales so deftly told he stands, while acting the poor helpless maiden, reciting poetry, then roaring loudly as her gallant savior.
He drags the tale out, till the nights have counted a year then ends it with a new beginning... addicting his public to return for yet another adventure.
Without giving any secrets away, I have a routine which includes a long blonde wig, and a floppy rubber sword.
Oh Now come on!!!! You must tell.... I'm the curious cat... :) sounds like an interesting tale...
Sadly, my knightly hero is turned to toast by a fire eating dragon! The maiden disappears into the maw of the beast.
who says fairy tales always end in victory? ... well technically they do... ha ha ha ha!!! Sorry..... I couldn't resist!
But I know what you mean.
Hugz
Tom[/b] . Hello Tom,
OK Jester... You're going to have to spill 'em beans and let me see what your tale is... I also am still awaiting the Tiger... never got it...
I'm glad you liked a glimpse into history and this act is still practiced in the Old City...
If you visit Damascus, you'll find the Hakawati... A trade that's been handed down through generations...
Thanks for the sweet words and enjoyable comments... always a treasure...
Daniah
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