War and Small Nations

Posted bySubhan ZeinPosted inShort StoriesTags:, , ,

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Once, high above a pasture, where a sheep and a lamb were grazing, an eagle was circling and gazing hungrily down upon the lamb. And as he was about to descend and seize his prey, another eagle appeared and hovered above the sheep and her young with the same hungry intent. Then the two rivals began to fight filling the sky with their fierce cries.

The sheep looked up and was much astonished. She turned to the lamb and said, “How strange, my child, that these two noble birds should attack one another. Is not the vast sky large enough for both of them?

“Pray, my little one, pray in your heart that God may make peace between your winged brothers.”

And the lamb prayed in his heart.

Taken from The Forerunner by Kahlil Gibran

30 thoughts on “War and Small Nations”

  1. A very relevant post to the current scenario…lovely!
    Since my middle school, I am a great admirer of Khalil Gibran, though I didn’t read him properly as a poet. But now, through your reference I yearn to read him and Rumi…:)

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  2. Awe, Kahlil Gibran my all time favorite author I can read his books over and over again, the Garden of the Prophet added so much more depth to The Prophet for me, I feel like I get something new every-time read his work. Your right he should’ve gotten the prize. I love this, so glad you shared!! Blessings

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  5. Gibran’s works are among my most treasured. As I downsize my home in my maturity, these will stay, not matter what else goes. And this particular quote is one of many that we read and reread to remind ourselves of the only values that truly matter.

    Thank you for posting, Suban.

    Many blessings,
    Jamie

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  10. Thank for your post. I like it a lot. What a meaningful fable story. Have a good day, my teacher!

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  18. Ah, Gibran … my favorite since I discovered him during my college days. Thanks for the post and the reminder. I just took down an old volume from the bookcase. A small, leather-bound copy of “The Prophet” with an inscription “May 16, 1961”. There are underlined verses and notations in the margins. I have always loved his poetry and lyrical prose. Thank you, Subhan!

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  25. Thank you Subhan for posting this excerpt from Khalil Gibran. Wonderful poet and writer. His words are classic and stand the test of time.

    Peace and blessings to you and yours,
    Sandy O

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    1. You are right to question why Khalil Gibran didn’t receive a Nobel Prize. There are some mysteries in this world that we will never unravel. . .this is one of them.

      May God grace you with joy and strength for the journey!
      Sandy Ozanich

      Reply

Thank you