In a very distinctive and unique style, mixing cultures and languages, a colourful palette of feelings - rebellion, submission, estrangement, compassion - comes to life. This powerful voice of a woman who uses metaphors and rhythm in a forceful, yet melodious way punches you in the gut or moves you by unexpected turns of phrase. The more often you read them, the more you will discover the hidden gems within these extraordinary poems.
Where did my old words go, my first words? I found my
native speech like a trap
door, the Arabic softening my fall. Now the words shed
from my mouth like deciduous teeth. Sometimes I dream
in Arabic without understanding. I search everyone’s pockets,
leave them hanging like panting tongues. I have been so careless
with the words I already have. I don’t remember how to say
grape or niece or bright. I try calling Arabic back like wild horses.
If I find them roaming a jilted road, sitting on an ancient turtle’s
back, dancing naked in the desert, I swear I’ll fishnet pronouns
so fast, swallow adjectives whole, knock verbs back with a burp.
Tonight, I will light a nar to eat the dark, make myself inviting,
tendrils of lost words floating back to me, getting cozy again
on the cushion of my tongue.
From Recognized Language
