On the Birth of His son
By : Arthuer Waley

Families , when a child is born,
Want it to be intelligent,
I, through intelligence,
Having wrecked my whole life ,
Only hope the baby will prove
Ignorant and stupid,
Then he will crown a tranquil life
By becoming a cabinet minister

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What do you think about this strange wish or desire by the poet in his ironic poem :” to be s stupid” seems illogical ? .But if one delves in and reads back the epoch and circumstances of the poet and the times he lived and strived , nothing astonishing .Of course , the poet mentions a position “ cabinet minister” , why ?
Might be at the poet’s time , an idiot or someone stupid became a cabinet minister compared to the poet himself who himself might dwelt penniless .An Arabic proverb states “ When life proved right with someone , a pigeon would lay eggs on a wedge , but when turned its back to ; a donkey would piss on a lion ”اذا اقبلت)) باضت الحمامةُ على الوتد, واذا ادبرت بال الحمارُ على الاسد)) .
What a strange wish by a poet !!
May be 50 % of his wish proves right and he would not wish so unless someone , he knew , got higher position or became a cabinet minister .
Any intention the poet aimed at , it is just for enjoyment and discussion .


Habeeb Abo Abdullah