Translated from the Arabic by Will Pewitt
Hold this hint as a letter. Trust this glance like a courier. Imagine if they read what our eyes write. Secrets remain ever afloat if they’ve never been said.
صحائفُنا إشار تُنا وأكشرُ رُسْلنا الحَدَقُ لأنَّ الكُتْبَ قد تُقرا وليسَ بر سْلِنا نَثِقُ
Abbasid poet Ulayya bint al-Mahdī was, as her name alludes, daughter of the caliph al-Mahdī, but was also sister to Harun al-Rashid, whose legend features prominently in the 1,001 Nights. In addition to her talent in verse, she was also acclaimed for her musical gifts.
Born in Austin, Texas, Will Pewitt now lives in Jacksonville, Florida where he teaches global literature. He publishes in a variety of genres, from fiction and poetry to history and philosophy.