"Tears And Laughter" Book Review
There is a beautiful sadness to the work of Kahlil Gibran.
— Alexander James Guckenberger
In the heaviness of night, when all
Creatures seek the ghost of Slumber, I
Sit up, singing at one time and sighing
At another. I am awake always.
— from, Tears and Laughter, 27Overview To "Tears And Laughter"
Like all of Kahlil Gibran's works, this text is very good. It's fairly short, but a wonderful read. Kahlil Gibran is one of my favorite poets. Kahlil had a way with words that is unmatched in the world today. Every page is filled with his talent.
HE IS a link between this and the coming world. He is
A pure spring from which all thirsty souls may drink.
— from a poem titled "The Poet", Tears and Laughter, 44The Beginning Pages
Kahlil starts his book with sweetness. It is a kind of bitter sweetness. There is a beautiful sadness to the work of Kahlil Gibran. Moreover, his version within this book of the creation story is an interesting take, placing more positive emphasis on women.
I heard the teachings of Confucius;
I listened to Brahma's wisdom;
I sat by Buddha under the Tree of Knowledge.
Yet here I am, existing with ignorance
And heresy.
— from a poem titled "Song of Man", Tears and Laughter, 63Wisdom
I am not sure that one could easily deny that there is a kind of wisdom to Kahlil Gibran's words. It is a different manifestation of wisdom. It is very unique. It is almost like a kind of drunken wisdom, or a sweet and depressed wisdom. It is beautiful, whatever it is.
What do you think of Kahlil Gibran?
Style
There is something interesting and unique about Gibran's style. It reminds me of the intoxication of fermented wine. Gibran's writings feel as though they are directed by wines, which could be considered bitter sweet as well. All of his writings seem to have poetic qualities, even his stories. The pages of the book are filled with diverse formats, some filling entire pages, and some having a more traditional poetic type.
Have mercy on me, my Soul.
You have laden me with Love until
I cannot carry my burden. You and
Love are inseparable might
— from, Tears And Laughter, 17-18Inspiration
Gibran's poetry appears to have a number of influences. This particular book shows elements from Greek culture, as well as Babylonian, Indian, Chinese, Jewish, Christian, and Islamic cultures. In this book, he mentions goddess, the gods, and G-d. His work is very spiritual. There is something for everyone in this book.
Beauty is that which attracts your soul,
And that which loves to give and not to receive.
— from, Tears And Laughter, 69More
It is very exciting when the title of the book is used in a poem! There is even the title of one poem which mimics the title of the book. The book is a great read on a free day. It is very short, but every page is filled with beauty.
IN THE DEPTH of my soul there is
A wordless song-a song that lives
In the seed of my heart.
— from, Tears And Laughter, 46Conclusion
"Tears And Laughter" is a fantastic read. I love it, and encourage others to read it. Leave your thoughts in the comments. Do you enjoy this work? Have you ever read it? Tell me below.
© 2020 Alexander James Guckenberger
