Orientalist Paintings

I ask you to agree with me

that a scar is never ugly.

Those who create scars want you to think otherwise.

But you and I have to make a pact to stand up to them.

Because from my experience,

Scars mean 'I survived'.

Divide me with fatigue,

for I need a sore chest to cry on. Like you, I have something made of glass, and the chests of those who are comfortable, are made of marble. Return to my world so that I may rest, for I love you even when I’m tired.

Fairuz

I tell my neighbor: Come and spend the night with me, I have figs, and almonds, and sugar. We sing, because you are lonely, And singing will ease your longing. I have a home, and a small area of land, So I am safe now. The land of my country is land from heaven, And on it sleeps the painful time. I tell our house: If I am alone, And snow and cold blows, My house is as fire to me, And the winter passes, friendly as a field of roses.

-Al Rahbani Brothers

Every time i look at you,

my world slips...

Runaway

She started sifting and refining her pronunciation.. And she floats around her orbit as a constellation, There's a world that tries to assassinate her! Wandering among its ruins, tossing and turning A devastating rhetorical war is brewing She will be crucified with her blood and soil! My article remained free in a collapsing world. The universe is computerized! How they tried to drag me into their den An addiction where originality is undermined They deny their identity... I will not be molded by similar patterns! My art is listening to the voice of nature And my limbs are hidden from those who fall My soul fights alone in the dark

-Sakina Al-Sharif

When, in disgrace with fortune and men’s eyes, I all alone beweep my outcast state,

And trouble deaf heaven with my bootless cries, And look upon myself and curse my fate, Wishing me like to one more rich in hope, Featured like him, like him with friends possessed, Desiring this man’s art and that man’s scope, With what I most enjoy contented least; Yet in these thoughts myself almost despising, Haply I think on thee, and then my state,

(Like to the lark at break of day arising From sullen earth) sings hymns at heaven’s gate;        For thy sweet love remembered such wealth brings        That then I scorn to change my state with kings.

˜ Shakespeare

People keep asking me  Why I have such a stern face I tell them: It’s because I have a soft heart 

We used to meet at dusk Sitting on the old bridge While fog surrounds the hills It covers the road past our sight

No one knows where we are Only the sky and the autumn leafs When you said "I love you" The miserable clouds disappeared

-Al Rahbani Brothers