The Poet from Baalbek by Kahlil Gibran
"The Poet from Baalbek" is a short story by Kahlil Gibran, written as a tribute to the esteemed Lebanese poet Kahlil Effandi Mutran. The narrative unfolds in two parts, juxtaposing the historical city of Baalbek in 112 B.C.E. and Cairo, Egypt, in 1912. The first part depicts an emir mourning the death of a beloved poet, comforted by an Indian sage who speaks of the cyclical nature of life and the promise of reincarnation. In the second part, a prince in Cairo reflects on poetry that resonates deeply with him and recognizes it as the work of the "poet from Baalbek." This recognition spurs him to honor the poet, who he believes connects two worlds through his art.
Gibran's prose is marked by vivid imagery, intertwining elements of mysticism, sadness, and a longing for understanding. The story emphasizes the importance of honoring artistic contributions and the universal truths conveyed through poetry. Additionally, Gibran's work reflects a broader cultural movement, as he and Mutran were both involved in the Arab League of Progress, which aimed to foster Arab unity and celebrate cultural heritage. The narrative ultimately leaves the prince contemplating the mysteries of life, capturing both the joy and sorrow that art can evoke.
The Poet from Baalbek by Kahlil Gibran
Excerpted from an article in Magill’s Survey of World Literature, Revised Edition
First published: 1912 (collected in Thoughts and Meditations, 1960)
Type of work: Short story
The Work
Gibran was invited to Beirut to participate in a ceremony honoring the Lebanese poet Kahlil Effandi Mutran. Unable to attend the celebration, he sent this short story to be read on his behalf. In the letter Gibran included with the story, he said that the “devilish muses” inspired this prose and that its length was short when compared with “the dignity of the great prince and outstanding poet.”
Gibran believed in reincarnation for the purpose of completing tasks left undone by the person’s death. “The Poet from Baalbek” provides a clear example of this belief. Part 1 is set in the city of Baalbek, 112 b.c.e. The emir is saddened by the death of a beloved poet. A sage from India comforts the emir with these words, “Remember . . . that the sacred Law which restores the sublimity of Spring after the passing of Winter will reinstate you a prince and him a genius poet.”
The setting for part 2 is Cairo, Egypt, and the year is 1912. A pensive prince asks his companion to recite some poetry. When the prince hears poetry that speaks to his soul, he asks who wrote the verses. The reply is, “the poet from Baalbek.” Upon hearing this, the prince remembers words spoken long ago by Mohammed: “You were dead and He brought you back to life, and He will return you to the dead and then restore you to life. Whereupon you shall go back to him.” The prince decides that this poet must be honored because “he descends from his lofty domain to tarry among us, singing; if we do not honor him he will unfold his wings and fly back to his dwelling place.” The story ends with the prince, alone, pondering life and its mysteries.
One example of Gibran’s ability to create vivid pictures with simple words can be found in part 1, where the phrases “glittering lamps,” “gilded censers,” and “immobile slaves and guards” help set the stage and mood. Elements of mysticism and the belief in universal truths are found in the wise sayings of the poet and sage, as well as in the prince’s reflection on the mysteries of life. While a sense of sadness and longing pervades the story, there is also the joy created by the poet’s words and the deep sadness felt at his death. Gibran even involves mythology, mentioning the temple of Ishtar as a place where the poet was seen one evening. Both Gibran and Mutran supported the group honoring Mutran, The Arab League of Progress, which was created to promote Arab unity and culture.
Bibliography
Acocella, Joan. “Prophet Motive: The Kahlil Gibran Phenomenon.” The New Yorker 83, no. 42 (January 7, 2008): 72.
Bushrui, Suheil, and Joe Jenkins. Man and Poet: A New Biography. Boston: Oneworld, 1998.
Gibran, Jean. Kahlil Gibran: His Life and World. Boston: New York Graphic Society, 1974.
Gougassian, Joseph P. Kahlil Gibran: Wings of Thought. New York: Philosophical Library, 1973.
Naimy, Mikhail. Kahlil Gibran: A Biography. New York: Philosophical Library, 1985.
Nash, Geoffrey. The Arab Writer in English: Arab Themes in a Metropolitan Language, 1908-1958. Portland, Oreg.: Sussex Academic Press, 1998.
Waterfield, Robin. Prophet: The Life and Times of Kahlil Gibran. New York: St. Martin’s Press, 1998.
Young, Barbara. This Man from Lebanon: A Study of Kahlil Gibran. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 1945.