Critical Review and Analysis of Anas Al-Hajri’s Poem, O, Sam
by Hatem Al-Shamea
Introduction
O Sam, arise to see Sana’a, for within her dwell
A people who grow hungrier with each meal they eat.
I care not for Ali or Muawiya,
Nor for those who rejected or accepted rule.
An elder searches through the Torah, his only task
To praise the glories of those long departed.
He came to satiate my hunger, yet filled me
With death instead…and here I am, in the grave, celebrating.
Anas Al-Hajri’s poem “O Sam, arise to see Sana’a” is a poignant and deeply reflective piece that captures the despair and disillusionment of the Yemeni people amidst the socio-political turmoil in their country. The poem employs powerful imagery and historical references to critique the state of affairs in Yemen, shedding light on the dire consequences of political and religious conflicts.
Analysis
The poem opens with a call to Sam to witness the condition of Sana’a, the capital city of Yemen. This direct address immediately engages the reader, setting a scene of urgency and desperation. Sana’a is depicted as a place where “a people who grow hungrier with each meal they eat,” a paradox that underscores the worsening plight of the Yemeni people despite the passage of time. This line effectively conveys the futility and deepening crisis that characterizes the lives of ordinary citizens.
The speaker’s indifference to historical and religious figures—”I care not for Ali or Muawiya, / Nor for those who rejected or accepted rule”—reflects a profound disillusionment with the political and sectarian conflicts that have historically divided the Muslim world and continue to plague Yemen. Ali and Muawiya were central figures in the early Islamic schism, representing the Sunni-Shia divide. By expressing indifference to these figures, the poet emphasizes a desire to move beyond historical grievances and focus on the present suffering.
The poem further critiques religious leadership through the image of “an elder searches through the Torah, his only task / To praise the glories of those long departed.” This elder symbolizes religious scholars or leaders who, instead of addressing the current plight of the people, are preoccupied with glorifying the past. This criticism is sharpened by the irony that such leaders claim to offer solutions but instead “came to satiate my hunger, yet filled me / With death instead.” This stark transformation from hunger to death symbolizes the ultimate betrayal of the people’s trust and the failure of leadership.
The final line, “and here I am, in the grave, celebrating,” is a powerful conclusion that captures the depth of despair. The grave symbolizes both literal death and the metaphorical death of hope and possibility. The use of the word “celebrating” is deeply ironic, highlighting the absurdity and tragedy of the situation. It suggests that death might be a release or a form of grim solace from the relentless suffering endured in life.
Themes
The primary themes in Al-Hajri’s poem include despair, disillusionment, and betrayal. The poet vividly portrays the cyclical nature of suffering in Yemen, where the people’s plight only worsens despite the passage of time. The critique of historical and religious figures highlights a desire to transcend sectarian conflicts and focus on the immediate humanitarian crisis. The poem also underscores the failure of religious leadership to address the real needs of the people, instead offering empty glorifications of the past.
Imagery and Style
Al-Hajri’s use of imagery is striking and evocative. The depiction of hunger increasing with each meal is a powerful paradox that immediately captures the reader’s attention. The historical and religious references add depth to the critique, situating the poem within a broader context of Islamic history and its impact on contemporary Yemeni society. The language is direct yet rich with metaphor and irony, making the poem both accessible and profound.
Conclusion
“O Sam, arise to see Sana’a” is a compelling and critical reflection on the state of Yemen. Anas Al-Hajri effectively uses imagery, historical references, and irony to convey the deep despair and disillusionment of the Yemeni people. The poem is a powerful critique of political and religious leadership, highlighting the urgent need for a focus on present realities rather than past glories. Through its poignant and evocative language, the poem leaves a lasting impact, urging readers to recognize and respond to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Yemen.
The Quarantine Philosopher – Wajdi Al-Ahdal – trans. Hatem Al-Shamea
