 Hakawati, A glimpse of tradition |
Mosaic Musings...interactive poetry reviews > Archives > Archives > ARCHIVES -> Poetry for Exhibition Prior to 2006  |
 Nov 29 03, 19:55
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#1
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 Laureate Legionnaire  Posts: 1,547 Joined: 4-August 03 From: Jeddah, Saudi Arabia Member No.: 13 Real Name: Daniah Writer of: Poetry  |
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. ·······  ·······Happiness is a journey, not a destination.
"A good book is not read and forgotten. It lingers in the mind of the reader, reshaping thoughts, asking new questions, revisiting ancient ones." MM Award Winner     |
  
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Nov 30 03, 08:24
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#2
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 Mosaic Master  Posts: 18,892 Joined: 1-August 03 From: Massachusetts Member No.: 2 Real Name: Lori Kanter Writer of: Poetry & Prose Referred By:Imhotep |
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: ······· ·······"It's a dangerous business, Frodo, going out your door. You step into the Road, and if you don't keep your feet, there is no knowing where you might be swept off to." ~ J.R.R Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings
Collaboration feeds innovation. In the spirit of workshopping, please revisit those threads you've critiqued to see if the author has incorporated your ideas, or requests further feedback from you. In addition, reciprocate with those who've responded to you in kind. "I believe it is the act of remembrance, long after our bones have turned to dust, to be the true essence of an afterlife." ~ Lorraine M. Kanter Nominate a poem for the InterBoard Poetry Competition by taking into careful consideration those poems you feel would best represent Mosaic Musings. For details, click into the IBPC nomination forum. Did that poem just captivate you? Nominate it for the Faery award today! If perfection of form allured your muse, propose the Crown Jewels award. For more information, click here!  "Worry looks around, Sorry looks back, Faith looks up." ~ Early detection can save your life.MM Award Winner       |
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Nov 30 03, 12:47
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#3
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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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#4
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Laureate Legionnaire Posts: 1,547 Joined: 4-August 03 From: Jeddah, Saudi Arabia Member No.: 13 Real Name: Daniah Writer of: Poetry |
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 ······· ·······Happiness is a journey, not a destination.
"A good book is not read and forgotten. It lingers in the mind of the reader, reshaping thoughts, asking new questions, revisiting ancient ones." MM Award Winner |
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Nov 30 03, 17:56
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#5
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Laureate Legionnaire Posts: 1,547 Joined: 4-August 03 From: Jeddah, Saudi Arabia Member No.: 13 Real Name: Daniah Writer of: Poetry |
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 ······· ·······Happiness is a journey, not a destination.
"A good book is not read and forgotten. It lingers in the mind of the reader, reshaping thoughts, asking new questions, revisiting ancient ones." MM Award Winner |
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