Poems in honour of Sheikh Maktoum Bin Rashid Al  Maktoum

Succulent Songs

Succulent songs, meanings and melodies,
Singing them, the pigeons repeat their song.

A melody adorned with rhymes and rhythms,
Continue with passing nights new.

In portrayal of the great-hearted, as if built on the stars,
Flags of dignity innumerable and widespread.

Oh my lord! Oh my brother! Oh of high esteem!
Oh sheikh! Oh possessor of the praiseworthy properties!

Oh bearer of the flag with resolve and faith,
The head of knights who are ever victorious.

Maktoum, oh my pride and my reservoir, with my gratitude,
Sacrificing for you the people their pledges are certain.

Oh who became for dignity a crown and a title,
Above planets and the raised stars.

In the air of our space the high rain falls,
Your gaze over the heights steadfast.

Creation glows with you and homelands thank you,
And with you, progress of homeland we get further.

If I set forth your most expressive deeds it would not be,
Impression of your deed will not be borne by a poem.

If I wrote in your praise poetry in a diwan,*
Praise of you transcends and poetry asks for more.

In the worst conditions, oh best captain,
You drove the ship and dangers are grave.

History witnesses you, pride and proof,
You have a past of glory your merit does enhance.

And you who built with honour structure,
Without you no one can build.

The effects of your deed cannot be counted,
Oh holder of the hearts of men in his hand.

Generosity from you, for you, with you, and benevolence,
Supreme power, oh sheikh of Arabs, you are its lord.

You are to the fore and behind you sturdy brave men,
Obey your commands, do your wishes.

How many a wolf spread fear roaming around,
Were it not for you, oh lion of forest, who hunts.

How many a tyrannized spent the night sleepless,
His eyelid slept for your justice is his support.

Oh lanner falcon in the best mountain of Houran,
His eyes when they look they miss no prey.

Oh planet of joy that appeared high in the sky,
For his generosity and benevolence his country is happy.

I bestow upon you evidence of the meanings of gratitude,
From a heart for you faithful unshakably.

*anthology

**********************************