The Book of Khalid begins with a short section entitled "Fatihah," which means prologue in Arabic. But more significantly, it is the opening chapter of the Quran, which you can read and listen to for comparison here [1].

As with the poetry we've read, you'll probably notice Whitman's influence here. I'd like you to keep your eyes open for references to Whitman's ideas and words as you read The Book of Khalid.

Otherwise, what are your thoughts on the character of Khalid? What do you think about this complicated account of how the narrator came to possess this story?