7. Tempted by Nothing, and: 8. Tempted by Everything: From Concerto al-Quds

Adonis, an Arabic poet with Syrian origins, writes an extended, innovative poem on Jerusalem/Al-Quds titled “Concerto Al-Quds.” These two sections of the book-length poem, translated into English by award-winning poet Khaled Mattawa, are hymns to a troubled city embattled by the conflicting demands of Jews, Christians, and Muslims. Wrapping multiple voices, historical references, and political viewpoints within his ecstatic lyricism. Adonis, an Arabic poet with Syrian origins, writes an extended, innovative poem on Jerusalem/Al-Quds titled “Concerto Al-Quds.” These two sections of the book-length poem, translated into English by award-winning poet Khaled Mattawa, are hymns to a troubled city embattled by the conflicting demands of Jews, Christians, and Muslims. Wrapping multiple voices, historical references, and political viewpoints within his ecstatic lyricism.