[SONGS] Said Akl: And The Words Remain

Lebanon today mourns the loss of one of its greatest modern poets, philosophers and revered linguists, Said Akl whose body arrived on Tuesday morning to the Saint Georges Church in downtown Beirut for an official ceremony led by Maronite Patriarch Cardinal Bechara Rai.

Hoisting Lebanese flags, students from Notre Dame stopped the procession and threw roses in honor of the passing poet as he was transferred from Zouk Mousbeh to Beirut.

Akl passed away at the age of 102 on Friday.

A Lebanese poet, writer, playwright and language reformer from the Bekaa town of Zahle, Akl is considered one of the most important modern Lebanese poets who strongly emphasized the Phoenician legacy of the Lebanese people.

He is also an advocate of nationalism, the Lebanese identity, and language, leading him to design a Latin-based "Lebanese alphabet" comprised of 37 letters.  

Mired in controversy over stances launched during the Lebanese civil war era, the poet’s sense of nationalism has been the target of attacks following his death.

But this blog post today is not to clear his name of petty accusations, but instead aims to highlight some of the amazing works that the man produced over  decades. Only they will stand eternal, challenging the test of time and holding accountable all those who choose to maintain a superficial account of a man whose words will remain.

Sung Poetry:
Singer: Fairouz
Lyrics: Said Akl 
Music: Mohammad Abdul Wahhab

Morra Bi


Singer: Fairouz
Lyrics: Said Akl 
Music: Rahbani Brothers

Meshwar


Ommi Ya Malaki