Naban by Marzuki Ali

Picture and details dawama

Started reading 28 August 2006
Finished reading 29 August 2006

Naban is the Malay word for stories on the prophets sung sans music. According to the dictionary, a melodious voice is needed to do justice to the stories. The poems in this collection takes a leaf out of the traditional naban. The rhythm and stanza of each poem seems to conjure images of the words. The sketches that accompany each poem are also illuminating. Some of the poems are social commentaries whereas others are on love, not just among men but the communion with the Creator. Reading the poems out loud may add another dimension to the beauty of the poems. Minimal use of words conveying layers of emotions and feelings. Definite food for the soul.