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Bay Laurel
Laurier Noble - غار
Description
Over 10,000 years ago, vast stretches of the Mediterranean were covered in laurel forests. As the climate gradually became drier, these noble trees gave way to other, more resilient species.
In Roman times, the laurel was a powerful symbol of victory and honor—athletes, poets, and scholars were crowned with laurel wreaths. The plant even gave rise to the term baccalauréat, derived from bacca laurea, meaning “laurel berry.”
Today, laurel remains a favorite in the kitchen. Its leaves and berries are valued for their rich aroma and are used in everything from herbal teas and liqueurs to soups, stews, and even coffee.
In this garden, a stately laurel-lined path leads from the statue of Daoud Corm to the far end of the walkway. You'll also notice oleanders and white laurels (دفلى in Arabic) planted as hedges between the flower beds. Beautiful as they are, beware! —the flowers of the white laurel are highly poisonous.
Poem
The Mystery of Evolution
The Plant, which lives on light and joy,
Was a pioneer when it left the ocean;
Starting from the edge of the continent
It paved the way to conquering life.
First, it invaded the muddy marshes,
Then, the deserted sand beaches
Covering the arid soil and the wild plains,
It reached the mountains and sowed forests.
Through its patient and tenacious efforts,
It prepared the land for the first animals,
Providing them with food.
Flowers and fruits then emerged
Into species and sub species
Finally ushering in the advent of mankind!
Published in « La Petite Cosmogonie Sentimentale. » Éditions de la Revue Phénicienne, 2004.
Time vs. the Conqueror
When the Nahr al Kalb just north of Beirut invites you
To follow its current and daydream on its banks
Stop and look attentively:
This is where Nebuchadnezzar and his great army marked their passage.
On the rocks, sprinkled by the tears of a waterfall
Between the pink laurel and the thick brambles,
You can imagine him before his great stele
Of which time has preserved only a vain, confused text.
Think of his proud and cruel capital,
Of his Tower of Babel, which he wanted eternal,
Of the one hundred and thirty lions in his sacred temple.
Think of his tabernacle where, on a litter
Of gold and diamonds, stretched out, naked and proud
His queen offered herself…
Published in La Planète Éxaltée. Éditions de le Revue Phénicienne, 2004.
