When words don’t seem enough to capture the sheer beauty or the raw vulnerability of our human experiences, that’s precisely where poetry steps in. As a poet myself, I’ve learned over the years that the impact of poetry extends far beyond mere words or verses on a page. For most of us, it’s therapeutic, a sort of balm for the soul; for others, it’s a vessel for preserving memories of the past or a source of preservation that reflects upon resilience, culture, and the tales of a people—their language, their roots. It’s our way to hold onto a moment or a memory and keep it alive forever. Middle Eastern poets, in particular, have played a crucial role in preserving the culture and roots of the Arab diaspora through their evocative works. Today, we pay tribute to these voices that continue to enrich the world of literature. Here are some Middle Eastern poets whose work you should explore:
Najwa Zebian
Najwa Zebian, a Lebanese-Canadian poet, crafts verses that touch on love, loss, and finding one’s place in the world. Her work, notably “Mind Platter,” and her latest book, “The Only Constant” speak to the heart, offering comfort and courage to those feeling lost or alone.
Dunya Mikhail
Iraqi poet, Dunya Mikhail shares her experiences with war and having to leave her home through her poetry. Her work is both a sad reminder of war’s impact and a hopeful look at survival.
Safia Elhillo
Safia Elhillo is a Sudanese-American poet renowned for her exploration of identity and belonging. Her work, deeply rooted in her dual heritage, navigates the complexities of diaspora and language. Elhillo’s poetry is a bridge between worlds.
Zeina Hashem Beck
Zeina Hashem Beck is a Lebanese poet known for her evocative poetry that captures the complexities of identity, exile, and language. Her work often explores the interplay between her cultural heritage and the broader themes of belonging and human connection.
Hala Alyan
A Palestinian-American poet and clinical psychologist, Hala Alyan weaves themes of loss, displacement, and family into her work.
Amal Kassir
Amal Kassir, born in Denver, Colorado, to a German-Iowan mother and a Syrian father, embodies a unique blend of cultures. Her childhood, spent on her grandmother’s farm in Syria, instilled in her a deep connection to her heritage, later disrupted by war’s devastation. A graduate in ‘Community Programming in Social Psychology,’ Kassir channels her activism into spoken word poetry, advocating for social justice, education, and empowerment. Her name, meaning “Hope” in Arabic, reflects her mission to inspire change and champion the voices of the marginalized through her global advocacy and storytelling.
