Poets from region pay rich tribute to Palestinian icon

Dubai: Prominent literary figures gathered here to express their gratitude to their mentor and grieve his death, saying no other Arab poet will measure up to Mahmoud Darwish.

Darwish was a respected Palestinian poet and author who won numerous awards for his literary output and was regarded as the Palestinian national poet.

During the gathering at the Dubai Press Club, Saleem Abu Sultan, Palestinian Consul General in Dubai, narrated Darwish's struggle as he was a refugee both in Lebanon where he fled to in 1948 and on his return to Palestine when he was "denied nationality by the Israelis. He was also a refugee in Palestine holding no passport," said the Consul.

He said his words and poems were filled with passion and love of Palestine. His only aim is to elevate the Palestinian cause which reached every corner in the world. His voice did not side with any political party. He was a poet of humanity and for humanity," said Abu Sultan.

Poets from the Gulf and UAE gathered here reciting Darwish's poems, some of which had been turned into songs by Marcel Khalife and Majida Al Roumi.

Stardom

A number of Emirati poets including the Prince of Poets, Karim Ma'touq, poet and the winner of the Prince of Poetry contest, wrote a poem specifically in memory of Darwish.

"It is a big loss not only for the Arab world but for us Arab poets for we have lost a great mentor and guide in the modern Arab poetry," Mat'ouq told Gulf News.

He is the symbol of resistance, said Dr. Ali Ja'fer, an Arab poet and critic. His poetry is the melody of life, he said.

"When I first heard of his death I refused to believe it. I have lost a great poet and a friend. His presence will always resonate through his poems as no other poet will ever measure up to his creativity and gentility."

Offering condolences to the family of the deceased poet and the people of Palestine, the meeting also included the screening of a film that Al Arabiya TV produced on the life and work of the poet.

Maryam Bin Fahad, Executive Director, Dubai Press Club, said Mahmoud Darwish, "Apart from the stardom that he enjoyed among the Arab masses, also astonished literary critics by the way his poetry encompassed the entire depth of history, philosophy and religions. His poetry addressed the aspirations and concerns of his people in a profound and effective manner."