I read this as research for a novel character, and I have no regrets. The introduction is a comprehensive overview to Kabbani and his work, and the poems themselves are well-chosen and in solid thematic order. While I read, I kept sticky notes beside me because I had so many favorites, both personally and for the character. Kabbani has skyrocketed from a complete unknown to me to one of my favorite poets. He uses very simple language, but conveys entire worlds of people and universes of thought. He's such a brilliant mind, and I look forward to reading another translation of his work!