A scene of the literary session in Souq Al-Shuyukh brought together poets Zaki Al-Ali and Qais Al-Husseini. (Photo: 964media)
'Before Losing Fingers'
Poets converge in Souq Al-Shuyukh for vibrant literary event
DHI QAR — A literary event in the town of Souq Al-Shuyukh brought together poets Zaki Al-Ali and Qais Al-Husseini, who shared their work, answered questions and engaged in a lively discussion with attendees.
Zaki Al-Ali expressed admiration for Souq Al-Shuyukh, referring to it as a “republic.” In a tribute to the local community, he recited, “Souq Al-Shuyukh, elders wherever they sit… lead the noble ranks.”
“This is my first time in Souq Al-Shuyukh to participate with writers in their cultural gatherings, festivals and forums,” Al-Ali told 964media. “I am in awe of this city steeped in history and culture, a city of intellectuals, greats, poets.”
Al-Ali has published five poetry collections, including “Before Losing Fingers” in Kuwait, “Stellar Dust” in Saudi Arabia and “Dark Circles” in Jordan. “I am currently working on a novel and a new poetry collection,” he added.
Qais Al-Husseini said, “The cultural assembly in Souq Al-Shuyukh, along with its administrative board, has organized the poetry session that brings me together with poet Zaki Al-Ali and includes questions about poetry.”
Al-Husseini announced plans to publish two poetry collections soon, “Songs After Midnight” and “The Monastery of Shadows.”
Literary critic and poet Khalid Khweir offered his perspective on the poets’ works. Speaking about Al-Husseini, Khweir noted two distinct phases in his poetic journey. “The early phase was direct in meaning and simple in language,” he told 964media.
“The later phase, which began about two years ago, perhaps influenced by political and social circumstances, shifted to writing darker, more enigmatic texts,” he added.
Commenting on Al-Ali’s poetry, Khweir described him as “a restless poet who consumes himself to produce poetry.” He said, “Al-Ali absorbs the worlds around him to create elevated and sophisticated texts. He can be regarded as both a poet and a knight of modern Iraqi poetry.”