The Conference of the Birds

Peace be upon all

It has been a while I’ve not updated my blog (not to mention fulfilling my promise). It is because my laptop broke down (and it’s still currently under maintenance). As promised, I shall now share few poems extracted by the book titled The Conference of the Birds. Before that, allow me to give a brief summary of the book –but be warned!

If it is possible, I would to do this out of sincerity. I remember on the night I wrote my previous post, I had a great night. No, no parties or whatsoever I have. However, it was rather blissful whereby I was given a chance for an opportunity. I joined a friend in his business, willing to overcome the rejection of others.

But as the saying goes, people change through time (I don’t know this comes from). I’m losing my optimism (little is spared for my Final Year Project). Plenty drown and eaten by piranhas… all as a result of crestfallen when someone’s world is locked with ONLY selected people.

I’m doing this to fulfill my promise… even if I do not have readers passing by here

Anyway, let us proceed with the brief synopsis;

Written by Farid Ud-Din Attar, The Conference of the Birds is probably a book consisting of poetries as dialogues and narratives throughout the book without chapters. It is with regards of birds of the world gathered in a conference as they hear the Hoopoe’s speech in seeking their ideal king, the Simorgh bird. Through the journey, the Hoopoe clarifies the doubts and calms the troubles and fears of the birds as they seek for the king.

It is not the latter they would find, for as like other narratives, obstacles and adversities are such that convey a message to the readers with regards of each inner-self and the causes and effects which rendered in to deep downfall. Below is an example where a man, shrouded in doubts in choosing (materialism or spirituality);

An indecisive bird complains

Another bird declared: ‘As you can see,
I lack the organs of virility;
Each moment I prefer a different tree –
I’m drunk, devout, the world’s, then (briefly) His;
Caught between “No, it isn’t”, “Yes, it is”.
The flesh will send me drinking, then I’ll find
The Praise of God awakening in my mind;
What should I do between these two extremes,

Imprisoned by conflicting needs and dreams?’

And the hoopoe answers him

The hoopoe said: ‘This troubles everyone;
What man is truly single-minded? None!
If all of us could boast a spotless mind,
Why should prophets mingle with mankind?
If it is love which prompts your fervent prayers,
A hundred kindnesses will calm your cares.
Life is an obstinate young colt – until
He’s broken in by your restraining will
He knows no peace; but you are indolent,
Stretched out beside the oven, warm, content.
Tears temper hearts; but living well’s a rust
That inch by inch reduces them to dust –
You’re just a eunuch pampering his needs;
Your Self’s grown gross, a dog that sleeps and feeds.

That’s all for tonight, folks
I truly hope I’ve fulfilled my promise
Ever since my laptop breaks down, I’ve loads to share
After all those events I had prior today,
This blog is yet to be considered for termination

How could a man guides others…
When even he needs guidance?

I’ve not forgotten the reason why I create this blog
Check the very first post of this blog if you wish for the answer

Yours Truly, and forgive me

Izuddin

P.S: A seed of infatuation is similitude to a spark on a wood. If left unattended or mended, it “blossoms” and perish the wood into ashes

I had once love a girl for two years; if this infatuation is unstoppable, love may soon be my illness