Poems for Palestine

by Maher Massis (Editor)

An anthology of poems dedicated to the people of Palestine and their long struggle for freedom "Poems for Palestine" was launched as a project aiming to collect together verse written by the people of Palestine, as a website open to all comers, all free to upload their work. The broad spectrum of the resulting talent displays a multitude of different poetic styles, subject matters, and emotions. The role of art, and poetry in particular, as a cathartic healer is crucial to this venture—the poems are in turn full of anguish, emotion, longing, and love. In an age which sees a multitude of conflicts all over the world, it is important to make sure that we do not forget to listen to the voices of those affected. Too many people live in danger, in exile, or in despair today, and this project may well serve as a refrain for displaced people, from war-torn countries all over the word.

Genres: Poetry

134 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2015

Reviews

[Kai · Rating 3 out of 5]

A poetry collection the more compelling that written not by poets, but people simply looking to be heard in their tragedy their lives were turned to. Which, I suppose, is exactly what makes them poets after all.

[David Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recommend this for any one who would see the psychological damage inflicted by poverty, occupation, and apartheid spelled out in black and white. The poetry is raw and unvarnished, just like the truth.

[Thea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vi behöver lägga ifrån oss allt och lyssna, lyssna på varje dikt som innefattar ett helt liv och tillsammans ett helt lands historia.

Confession, by L. Al-Ahmad

Did you love her? - I did.
Did you defend her? - I will.
Did you help her? - I am trying.
Did you weep for her? Endlessly.
Do you understand her? We share one soul.
Will you denounce her for your freedom? She is my freedom. Her pain is my sorrow. Her name is my purpose. Her place exists.
Convict me! For I am suffering.
Convict me! For I am not me if she is not free.
Convict me and jail me in her arms.
Beaten by your lies. Kicked by your hypocrisy. Starved from justice. Robbed of her children. She remains. So convict me for loving her. Convict me for honoring her. Convict me and let us mourn together for she has been damned to your prisons. Convict me and I will lay by her side until she regains her strength.
Together, we will break the shackles at her feet and follow the roots of her fruits until we find the light behind the veil of your occupation.

[Jane Fudger · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful book of poetry - a book that you would want to carry with you and continually refer to.
It is a book compiled by Maher Massis of Palestinian poets depicting their life experiences under Israeli occupation.[ I have friends in Palestine and have spent time there during periods of relative peace and hence have experienced a little of their lives].
In poetry collections you usually find some poems that do not resonate with you or you enjoy more than others. In this book I loved them all!

[Mildred]

Choosing not to give a rating because I don't want to tarnish its average - it's an important collection that should be read. I just didn't like it.

Another review said it's unpolished, as a positive. Fair enough. I couldn't get past that.

The stories are important, the voices are important.

[mademoiselle thackeasse]

Nie czuję się odpowiednią osobą do oceniania wierszy o Palestynie więc bez gwiazdek

[Cori · Rating 4 out of 5]

Extremely haunting. I hadnt read the day before I read, you could think this was written today. The poems were extremely well-written and expressed emotions unknown to me before reading.

[Luca Auch · Rating 5 out of 5]

💔🤲

[Aizat Affendi · Rating 5 out of 5]

A heartfelt collection that captures the resilience and beauty of the Palestinian spirit. The poetry is moving, evocative, and deeply rooted in culture. A poignant tribute to a cause close to many hearts.

[Amanda Chiu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not a huge fan of poetry but this anthology was an exception. So beautiful written, powerful, diverse, gut-wrenching, and real. Many of the poems are written by children and they are super indicative of how fast these children have been forced to grow up. Heart-breaking but I would highly recommend.