Canopy (in Persian: Khaymeh, Khaimah, Saayehbaan, Pardeh, Chaador, etc.) is a term, which has been used by many poets around the world. Canopy can be replaced with some synonyms such as Cover, Awning, Shelter, Sunshade, Marquee, Tent, and so on. The family name of famous Iranian poet, Hakim Omar Khayyam, has been derived from the term Khaymeh (one of the Persian terms for Canopy). Some sources also indicate that his father was either a Tentmaker (in Persian: Khaymeh Saaz, Khaymeh Dooz) or he was involved in the business and trade of Tent or Khaymeh.
Webster’s Encyclopedic Dictionary defines Canopy as “An ornate covering of cloth, wood etc. suspended or held over a bed, throne, shrine or person”. Cambridge Dictionary defines Canopy as “a cover fixed over a seat or bed, etc. for shelter or decoration”, “the large circular piece of cloth that is the main part of a parachute”, etc.
Poetry Chain of Canopy
Here is a poetry chain of Canopy composed by some British and American poets:
1. Sonnet 125: Me I bore the Canopy
Were’t ought to me I bore the canopy,
With my extern the outward honouring,
Or laid great bases for eternity,
Which prove more short than waste or ruining?
Have I not seen dwellers on form and favour
Lose all and more by paying too much rent,
For compound sweet forgoing simple savour,
Pitiful tghrivers, in their gazing spent?
No, let me be obsequious in thy heart,
And take thou my oblation, poor but free,
Which is not mixed with seconds, knows no art,
But mutual render, only me for thee.
Hence, thou suborned informer! A true soul
When most impeached stands least in thy control.
William Shakespeare (26 April 1564 – 23 April 1616)
