Treasured Writings of Kahlil Gibran (69 page)

Boston, 1921

Brother Meesha:

After I read the last number of the Arrabitah's magazine and reviewed the previous issues, I was convinced that there is a deep abyss between us and them. We cannot go to them nor can they come to us. No matter what we endeavor to do, Mikhail, we cannot free them from the slavery of superficial literary words. Spiritual freedom comes from within and not from without. You know more about this truth than any man.

Do not endeavor to awaken those whose hearts God has put to sleep for some hidden wisdom. Do whatever you wish for them, and send them whatever you like, but do not forget that you shall place a veil of doubt and suspicion upon the face of our Arrabitah. If we have any power, this power exists in our unity and aloneness. If we must cooperate and work with other people, let our cooperation be with our equals who say what we say.

… So you are on the brink of madness. This is a good bit of news, majestic in its fearfulness, fearful in its majesty and beauty. I say that madness is the first step towards unselfishness. Be mad, Meesha. Be mad and tell us what is behind the veil of “sanity.” The purpose of life is to bring us closer to those secrets, and madness is the only means. Be mad, and remain a mad brother to your mad brother

G
IBRAN

TO MIKHAIL NAIMY

Boston, 1921

Dear Meesha:

Here is a gentle missive from Emil Zaidan. Read it thoroughly and take care of it to the best of your knowledge as you have always done. The heat is killing in this city and its environs. How is it in New York, and what are you doing?

In my heart, Meesha, there are shadows and images that sway, walk, and expand like mist, but I am unable to give them the form of words. Peradventure it would be better for me to keep silent until this heart returns to what it used to be a year ago. Possibly silence is better for me, but, alas! How difficult and how bitter is silence in the heart of one who has become accustomed to talking and singing.

A thousand salaams to you and to our dear brothers. May you remain a dear brother to

G
IBRAN

In this letter Gibran speaks of
Al-Barq
(The Lightning), which was one of the leading Arabic newspapers in Beirut. Beshara El-Koury, the editor and owner of
Al-Barq,
was a great admirer of Gibran, and he devoted many columns in his paper to him. Gibran also threatens his friend Naimy, saying that if he (Naimy) did not mail him the snapshots which they had taken at Cahoonzie he would file two suits against him: one in the court of friendship and the other in the court of El-Jazzar, a Turkish ruler known for his despotism during his reign in Syria.

TO MIKHAIL NAIMY

Boston, 1921

Dear Mikhail:

Peace be unto you. Enclosing herewith a letter addressed to the counsellor of Arrabitah from Beshara El-Khoury editor of
Al-Barq.
As you notice, it is a brief and gentle missive, and it demonstrates at the same time a sort of pain in the soul of its author—and pain is a good sign.

What happened to the snapshots we took at Cahoonzie? You are hereby notified that I want a copy of each. If I do not obtain my rights, I shall file two suits against you—one with the court of friendship, the other with the court of Ahmad Pasha El-Jazzar.

Remember me, Meesha, to our brethren and comrades, and may God keep you dear to your brother

G
IBRAN

William Catzeflis has already been identified as one of Gibran's intimates and an essayist of recognized accomplishments in the field of Arabic thought and literature. He also was one of the members of Arrabitah.

The farewell party which Gibran refers to in this letter was given in Catzeflis' honor on the occasion of the latter's departure to Lebanon on a pleasure trip. He also refers to a special Arabic dish prepared by Nasseeb Arida consisting of meat, vegetables and spices.

TO MIKHAIL NAIMY

Boston, 1921

Dear Meesha:

A thousand salaams to your heart that neither beats, nor pities, nor palpitates, nor glitters. It seems that you are ridiculing me for that which has turned my hair white and my poetry black; and you blame me for my briefness in writing and my silence about myself; and you proceed gradually to scold me, entering through the door of blasphemy. Allah be my rescue!

As to myself, I do not see any fault in you. You are perfect with your black hair covering your temples and the top of your head, and with the abundance of your poetry and prose. It seems as if you were born just as you wished to be born when you were in the state of embryo, and that you attained your wish while in the cradle. From God we came and to God we return!

I regret to be absent while Nasseeb's
meddeh
(spread) is being prepared. But what can I do if the
meddeh
cannot be spread from one city to another? It is a shame that some people can be filled with delicious things while others are hungry even for the grace of God, unable to obtain even a mouthful of it.

I am glad that Nasseeb insisted on your writing the preface to the
Anthology of Arrabitah.
Undoubtedly you have written or shall write that which shall be “a necklace about the neck of the
Anthology
and a bracelet about its wrist.” May you remain, oh brother of the Arabs, a gem in the crown of literature, and a glittering star in its sky.

My health is better than it was last week. But I must keep away from working, from thinking, and even from feeling for a period of three months in order to regain my full health. As you know, Meesha, to quit working is harder than to work; and he who is accustomed to work finds rest the severest punishment.

I have done my duty towards William Catzeflis and those who wish to honor him by giving him a farewell party. I sent a telegram to William and another one to Anton Semman in response to their invitation to attend the reception in New York.

May God keep you and your brethren and mine, and may you remain a dear brother to

G
IBRAN

TO MIKHAIL NAIMY

Boston, 1921

My Dear Meesha:

Good morning and good evening to you, and may God fill your days with songs and your nights with dreams. I am enclosing herewith a good letter and a check, which is still better, from an adherent member of Arrabitah. Will you answer the first in your good taste and perfect literary style, and accept the second as a burned incense and oil offering. Hoping that you do so,
inshallah.