The Poetic Image in the Diwan “What the Flute Did Not Say”: A Semiotic Study

Abstract

This study explores the semiotic dimensions of poetic imagery in *Ma Lam Yaqulhu Nay* by Abbas Mohammed Ahmed Badd. It aims to uncover the semiotic structure of the images in the collection and analyze their diverse semantic layers. The research adopts a semiotic approach that moves beyond the surface of the text to deeper levels, revealing hidden relations between signifiers and signifieds, while also employing a descriptive-analytical method to examine artistic and stylistic features. Findings highlight the richness, diversity, and depth of imagery, ranging from visual to auditory, with semantic dimensions that are existential, philosophical, psychological, emotional, symbolic, and mythical. The poet semantically employs titles and textual thresholds, while using binary oppositions—such as life/death, existence/non-existence, love/hatred—to structure his imagery. Overall, the collection reflects the poet’s existential and philosophical vision, his deep emotional experience, and his symbolic perception of life and being.