Khalil Gibran's "The Prophet" - Quick Review

"When love beckons to you follow him,
Though his ways are hard and steep. "

- 'The Prophet', Khalil Gibran

For those of my readers who do not know, Khalil Gibran was a poetic genius. He not only incorporated his poetry into his writings, but into his paintings as well. Viewing the man's works is like looking at William Blake's work in the reflection of a lake; similar, but definitely different.

Let me elaborate on this man. I am fairly familiar with Middle-Eastern poets; from Mirza to Rumi, Rahman to Kabir to Khayyam. Khalil's work readily and quite easily surpasses them all! All great poems are great at something, but Gibran's poems are the best at being poems.

"You give but little when you give of your possessions.
It is when you give of yourself that you truly give."

- 'The Prophet', Khalil Gibran

To be clear, I am far from the first person to sing Khalil Gibran's praises. However, any song with this poet's name resounding therein is worthy of listening to. Below I have included a lecture that gives the viewer a greater image of Khalil Gibran. Understanding the writer is not, in this case, necessary to fall in love with his writings. Regardless, I believe that credit is due to Gibran and, therefore, should be placed accordingly.

"There are those who give with joy, and that joy is their reward.
And there are those who give with pain, and that pain is their baptism.
And there are those who give and know not pain in giving, nor do they seek joy, nor give with mindfulness of virtue;
They give as in yonder valley the myrtle breaths its fragrance into space."

- 'The Prophet', Khalil Gibran

"The Prophet" is easily Khalil Gibran's most famous work. Although all of his works are amazing, this poem conveys very complex meanings through the medium of the greatest simplicity - making "The Prophet" a must read. It's very difficult for me to express in mere words the experience of this book. However, I will readily state that Gibran's "The Prophet" is one of the best poems ever written.

Amidst all of Khalil Gibran's works, "The Prophet" especially resonates in the hearts of its readers. Lots of the lovers of literature are aware that the middle east has birthed many poets (e.g.; Prophet Muhammad, Prophet David the King, Prophet Solomon the King, Sufi Writer Rahman, Author Omar Khayyam, ect.) Even so, Khalil Gibran is one of the best known names among the middle eastern poets; which is not an easy accomplishment! "The Prophet" is one of the most well-known poems to have its roots in the deserts of the saints.

One of the appealing things about "The Prophet" is that it transcends cultural separations. Jews and Muslims, and Hindus and Christians can all find something in the book. There are obvious spiritual tones, but these "tones" are produced so well as to only appeal to the reader and not to push anyone away. This work is also very intoxicating; although I have been sober for almost four years now, "The Prophet" is almost like a wine for the soul.

In conclusion, I give Khalil Gibran's "The Prophet" five stars. This book has been one of my favorite books for a very long time, and I never seem to tire from reading it. Please leave a comment down below and tell me what you think. Who is your favorite poet/author? What is Khalil Gibran's best work? What is your favorite poem?

"For what is it to die but stand naked in the wind and to melt into the sun?"

- 'The Prophet', Khalil Gibran