Poetry in pre-Islamic times
This is a response to the discussion on the role of poetry in Arabic/pre-Islamic societies. Poetry was a very highly developed art form in pre-Islamic societies. This poetic culture influenced the structure of Quran. Quran itself is poetic in nature, with rhymed prose and complex sound patterns. My piece highlights the importance of poets in pre-Islamic societies. It shows a public figure (poet) on a higher ground facing the skies. The person represents a poet in pre-Islamic times. The poets were considered inspired/divine, and were feared. They were seen as people who were connected to the spirits. The poet filled the role of historian, soothsayer or propagandist. They could destroy kingdoms literally. That’s how powerful they were. They represented a tribe’s prestige and importance, and denigrated other tribes in mock battles of poetry, that would stand in lieu of real wars.