Persian Poetry – Cheragh by Ahmad Shamlu / Shamloo
This week, Persian poetry page presents Ahmad Shamlu.
Maybe, one of the remarkable characteristics and strongest aspects in his writings is the epic rhythm of his works. However, his power in using the strongest and the most suitable words, and his ability in creating exceptionally wonderful atmosphere is exemplary. In this poem, he feels strong in confronting the absolute darkness. With one light in his hands, and one in front of him, he is challenging the darkness. All he has been crying for is getting rid of pain (of darkness). He has been asking for the sun during the most scaring nights, although disappointedly in his prayers. Then, he confesses that the beloved has come from the suns and dawns, from the mirrors and silks. He has been calling her even in the vacuum where there was no God, nor a warming fire either. At the end, he repeats, ” I will stand up, with one light in my hands and one in front of me, and I will shine my soul. Then I will put a mirror in front of you to make you everlasting.” Here, the rhythm of the words becomes so strong that you find yourself accompanying him in this challenge.
Click here to listen
Cheragh by Ahmad Shamlu
James Reavis
June 22, 2012 @ 5:44 am
This is an absolutely amazing website! I am doing a lesson a day. I wanted to let you know thought that the link on the lesson 4 main page does not direct here, it directs to persian-sample 3 instead. I had to type in the site manually into the address bar to get here.
Naz Jaffal
June 3, 2013 @ 11:06 pm
From your explanation of the poem , it seems like a very powerful and emotional piece…I would love if you can find the time to translate it (and the other poems on your site ) line by line…that way some of your students can more fully appreciate these gems of Persian literature.
Thomas
January 9, 2015 @ 8:45 am
Hello !I would like to congratulate you for this amazing website. I started to learn farsi as new challenge with the idea to travel in Iran soon. I do one lesson a day, your explanations are totally clear and that’s always lovely to end the lesson with a poem. At this stage, i just listen to these new sounds and I’m looking forward to being able to read and start the first sentences ! thanks again for your incredible support
Cemalettin EFE
November 22, 2015 @ 8:36 am
this web side is so amazing. Thank you so much…