I speak on your behalf like a violin

In this collection of poetry, Ahmed El-Shahawy returns to rhythm—which he considers more profound than meter—employing poetic rhythms that resonate with the state of love. The texts affirm that the most enduring, purest, clearest, and most distinctive writing is that which elevates its author to the highest and most sublime station of love. The poet employs new elements, vocabulary, languages, and relationships in the realm of love, all befitting the beloved. He believes that the poem is the equivalent of woman as a complete being, expressing not only the sensual but also delving into and relying upon the spiritual. The poet used the violin as an important and principal part in the title of his book because he realizes that the violin, as a basic stringed instrument, cannot be dispensed with or replaced. It is equivalent to the beloved, who does not transform or change, but rather increases his expression of love, as he is like the violin, the most affectionate, tender, and expressive, and he has spiritual sovereignty and authority. Also, the body of the violin in its fluidity is similar to the body of the beloved, and both overflow with rare music if the lover/player plays well in a loving and knowledgeable way.

أحمد الشهاوي، شاعر وكاتب من مصر، حاز على جائزة اليونسكو في الآداب عام 1995م، وجائزة كفافيس الدولية في الشّعر مايو 1998م. أصدر ما يزيد على عشرين كتابًا في الشعر والرواية والتصوف وأدب العشق. وصدرت أعماله الشعرية مُترجمةً إلى لغاتٍ عديدة. وقد وصلت أعماله إلى القائمة الطويلة لجائزة زايد للكتاب أربع مَرّات.