Many were the Arab gifts to modern man
Wisdom of the shrewd Semitic scholars past;
Poets Rumi, Ibn ‘Arabi and Khayyam
Geometric art in rhythmic patterns vast.
Studies of the night sky with rare comet flights;
Arabesque anatomy and medicine;
Belly-dancing; sorbet; The Arabian Nights;
Algorithms and decimal ciphering.
Spreading all this knowledge, all this intellect
Like the wild Sirocco scatters grains of sand,
Learning filled the cracks so cultures could connect
Such were gifts of Arabs to Renaissance man.
Google’s algorithm searches everything;
If we search for peace perhaps we’ll share again.
Fugitive Fragments 
Wow, I had to read this twice–better “follow”.
There is no greater compliment than a repeat read! I thank you LF.
Most welcome.
This is a great reminder of the glories of Islamic civilization! I hope that the days of tolerance and love of learning will return.
Let’s hope so LM – they didn’t call it the Golden Age for nothing 🙂 Thank you for this encouraging feedback.
So very true Mike.. I have often wondered if we could just listen and learn instead of preaching and teach.
It happened once Björn so it can happen again – just don’t hold your breath. Thanks for this affirmation.
Your words could bring peoples together if only they were whispered in the right ears, Mike, I’m convinced of it.
The gift of the gab might make them beg for the peace of silence Jackie 😀 I thank you for your much welcomed flattery and support. سلام _/\_
I adore the writing of Rumi, seems his wisdom has fallen by the wayside… great post.
Sadly so H, to paraphrase Gray, “wasting his sweetness on the desert air”. Thanks for your appreciation H.
If only the secrets of the world could be unlocked by Google’s algorithm… If so, it’d be even more popular than it already is. By the way, I will have nightmares about algebra later, hehe
Indeed Christy it appears that humans can’t solve everything so AI might have a better chance! I’m sure you’ll find a sleep formula 😀
Well written poem, Mike.
Perhaps someday we will search for peace again.
Inspired by scholars like Averroes and Avicenna and Mose Maimonides and Thomas Aquinas who while differring in their concepts of the nature of God searched for knowledge to be found in the various cultures of the world.
In you DVH, my poem preaches to the converted. You know your subject sir! Thank you for adding value to my work with your contribution.
Like the wild Sirocco scatters grains of sand,
….swirls of imagery. Vivid picture, Mike.
A date, indeed. A throwback tour of where we’ve been, which includes two of my favorite dudes. Rumi and the Renaissance Man have encouraged me to look beyond what I see towards what can be if I allow myself to believe in difference. Life is full of unexpected. Truly, there is nothing better than learning and opting to be open. Imagine where we would be…
I’d always suspected that you were a Renaissance Man, and this poem proves it. Only the smartest of men carry the badge. This is a smart poem, Mr. McGuire.
Flattery will get you everywhere Audrey (even though I know you have a vivid imagination!). I think it’s good look at problems from all angles – issues are rarely black and white. I’m glad this gave you pause for thought and thank you for your appreciation, it means a lot to me.
seems the answer should be simple but alas man has elected to remain complex – nice work with an even lovelier message
Thank you very much Matthew, mine is just a further viewpoint to add to what you correctly refer to as a complex issue.
“Learning filled the cracks so cultures could connect” beautifully put. An excellent poem Mike!
Thank you kindly Sonya, it’s ironic but the best lines seem to come easily while the lesser ones require the struggle 😀
“…perhaps we’ll share again.” – in one phrase, you said it all – always a pleasure Mike 🙂
Thanks Maria, I’d like to believe that it could be so.
This is beautifully thought through and so worthwhile in these days of skewed perspectives..and of course delivered with style.
Kudos, Mike!
john
Perspectives, yes that hits the nail on the head John. You’re astute as ever, many thanks.