# Unadorned explained — Poetry

> Chapter companion for Poetry by Ameen Rihani.

## What happens

The speaker defiantly rejects the judgments of priests and sages, asserting the value of earthly love and memory over spiritual treasures. Even in the depths of hell and suffering, he clings to his connection with Allah, refusing to fall alone.

## Themes in this chapter

### Desire and Restraint

The speaker embraces desire and memory as treasures, rejecting the restraint imposed by priests and sages.

### Suffering and Resilience

Despite being knee-deep in hell and surrounded by flames, the speaker refuses to let go of his grip on Allah's throne.

## Character check-ins

### Unknown Narrator

The speaker who defends the worth of love and memory against religious condemnation.

### Allah

The divine figure to whom the speaker clings even in hell.

## Key lines

> Regardless of the cries of priests and sages I strove to give my bleeding soul her wages; And each embrace or memory of one Is worth to me the treasures of the ages

Despite the condemnation of religious authorities, I sought to reward my wounded soul with love and memory, which I value above all worldly riches.

_The speaker prioritizes personal experience over religious doctrine._

> And though knee-deep I find myself in hell, And though the flames around my cheeks should swell, I shall not loose my grip on Allah’s throne, I shall not fall alone, I know full well

Even if I am immersed in hellfire, I will hold fast to my connection with Allah and will not face my downfall in isolation.

_The speaker asserts resilience and a defiant faith despite suffering._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_2_se/chapters/unadorned
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_2_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_2_se/chapters