Treasured Writings of Kahlil Gibran (67 page)

Boston, 1920

Brother Mikhail:

I have just read your article on
The Tempest.
What shall I say to you, Mikhail?

You have put between your eyes and the pages of my book a magnifying glass which made them appear greater than they really are. This made me feel ashamed of myself. You have placed, through your article, a great responsibility upon me. Will I ever be able to live up to it? Will I be able to vindicate the basic thought in the vision you have revealed of me? It seems to me that you wrote that wonderful article while looking upon my future, and not upon my past. For my past has consisted only of threads, not woven. It has also been stones of various sizes and shapes, but not a structure. I could see you looking upon me with the eye of hope, not of criticism, which makes me regret much of my past and at the same time dream about my future with a new enthusiasm in my heart. If that was what you wanted to do for me, you have succeeded, Mikhail.

I liked the stationery for Arrabitah very much, but the motto “To God many a treasure beneath the throne, etc.” should be more obvious. The printing of the names of the officers and members is necessary if we wish to create the desired result. Everyone looking at a missive from Arrabitah would wonder who the members of Arrabitah are. However, I prefer that the names be printed in the smallest Arabic type.

I am sorry, Mikhail, that I shall not return to New York before the middle of next week, for I am tied up with some important problems in this abominable city. What shall I do? You all go to Milford, and replenish your cups with the wine of the spirit and the wine of the grapes, but do not forget your loving brother who is longing to see you

G
IBRAN

In the following letter Gibran speaks of the meeting he and other members of Arrabitah had at the home of Rasheed Ayoub. Plans had been made at the meeting for the publication of the
Anthology of Arrabitah,
an Arabic book containing a history of the literary organization as well as a collection of stories, articles, and poems written by its members.

Gibran refers to
Barren
and
Memoirs of a Pitted Face.
These were manuscripts of Mikhail Naimy, who had asked Gibran to inquire of Nasseeb Aribda as to their whereabouts.

The word
inshallah
means “God willing.”

TO MIKHAIL NAIMY

New York,

October 8, 1920

Dear Mikhail:

Each time I think of you traveling as a salesman in the interior for a business firm, I feel somehow hurt. Yet I know that this pain is the residue of an old philosophy. Today I believe in Life and in all that she brings upon us, and I confirm that all that the days and nights bring is good, and beautiful and useful.

We met last night at Rasheed's home, and we drank and ate and listened to songs and poetry. But our evening was not complete because you were not with us in person.

The materials for the
Anthology of Arrabitah
are all ready, if only in spirit! And they are all arranged, but only in words. When I ask for something from any of our brethren, he answers me saying, “In two days” or “At the end of this week,” or “Next week.” The philosophy of postponement, which is oriental, almost chokes me. And the strange thing about it, Meesha, is that some people consider coquettishness as a sign of intelligence!

I have asked Nasseeb through Abdul-Masseh to look for
Barren
and
Memoirs of a Pitted Face,
and he promised to do so,
inshallah.

I was glad to hear that your absence will not be prolonged. Perhaps I should not be glad. Come back to us, Meesha, when you want, and you shall find us as you want us to be.

May God watch over you and keep you for your brother

G
IBRAN

TO MIKHAIL NAIMY

Boston,

May 24, 1920

Dear Mikhail:

May God shower your good soul and big heart with peace. Arrabitah shall hold its official meeting tomorrow (Wednesday) evening. Unfortunately I shall be far away from you. Had it not been for a lecture I am going to give Thursday night, I would return to New York for the sake of Arrabitah's love. If you consider the lecture a legal excuse, I will be grateful for your generosity and consideration; otherwise you will find me willing to pay the fine of five dollars with pleasure.

This city was called in the past the city of science and art, but today it is the city of traditions. The souls of its inhabitants are petrified; even their thoughts are old and worn-out. The strange thing about this city, Mikhail, is that the petrified is always proud and boastful, and the worn-out and old holds its chin high. Many a time I have sat and conversed with Harvard professors in whose presence I felt as if I were talking to a sheik from Al-Azhar.
*

On several occasions I have talked with Bostonian ladies and heard them say things which I used to hear from the ignorant and simple old ladies in Syria. Life is all the same, Mikhail; it declares itself in the villages of Lebanon as in Boston, New York, and San Francisco.

Remember me with best wishes to my brethren and fellow workers in Arrabitah. May God keep you as a dear brother to

G
IBRAN

*
According to historians, Al-Azhar is the oldest university in the world whose sheiks (professors) stick to old traditions.

In many places throughout his writings Gibran refers to his studio in New York as “the hermitage.” In this letter he speaks of his meeting there with Nasseeb. Arida and Abdul-Masseh.

TO MIKHAIL NAIMY

New York, 1920

My Dear Meesha:

Good morning to you, oh wondering soul between the intent of the earth and the claim of heaven. I heard your voice calling the people's attention to “your goods” in the markets and squares. I heard you shouting softly, “We sell denims, we sell muslins,” and I loved the soothing tone of your voice, Meesha, and I know that the angels hear you and record your calls in the Eternal Book. I was happy to hear about your great success. However, I fear this success! I am afraid it is going to lead you into the heart of the business world. He who reaches that heart will find it very difficult to return to our world!

I shall meet with Nasseeb and Abdul-Masseeh at the hermitage tonight and we shall discuss the
Anthology.
Wish you were with us.

I am in these days a man with a thousand and one things to do. I am like a sick bee in a garden of flowers. The nectar is ample and the sun is beautiful upon the flowers.

Pray for me and receive God's blessing, and remain a dear brother to

G
IBRAN

TO MIKHAIL NAIMY