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The House of Poetry was packed to capacity. The evening was hosted by Ali Ammar Mohammed, who welcomed the attendees and expressed his deepest gratitude to His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of the Emirate of Sharjah, for his support and patronage of literature and culture.
Ali Ammar Mohammed said: "Welcome to the House of Poetry, in the land of culture, in a nation where the world converges and embraces its diverse identities without compromising its spirit. In this renewed gathering, we open the doors to a vibrant dialogue between language and the formation of the poem; here, on a platform where hundreds of poems have been recited, inspiring thousands. And in loyalty to the one who made culture..." Indeed, in recognition of the power of words and those who wield them, I extend my deepest gratitude and appreciation to His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of the Emirate of Sharjah.
The readings were opened by Emirati poet Muzaffar Al-Hammadi, who delivered a selection of poems filled with emotion, nostalgia, and a special tribute to places.
In his poem "Stranger of the Face," we sense the spiritual alienation of a poet contemplating the depths of the self.
Following him was Syrian poet Ahlam Banawi, who delivered heartfelt poems that explored the depths of human emotion, including joy, love, sorrow, anger, and more.
In another poem, we see a distinctive view of poetry, the role of the female poet, her influence on society, and her presence.
Next was Gambian poet Abdullah Tarwali, a student of Arabic at Al Qasimia University in Sharjah. He presented a collection of skilful poems, beginning with one expressing his love for the UAE and Sharjah. In a second poem titled "In the Presence of Meaning," he described the call to prayer, expressing his faith and pride in Islam.
The readings concluded with Sudanese poet Dr Magdi Al-Hajj, whose heartfelt poems celebrated humanity, homeland, and love, and were not without a lament for alienation and longing.
In another poem, we see him offering love and fighting for love and homeland, trusting in his chance to survive and endure.
In conclusion, the poet Mohammed Al-Buraiki paid tribute to the participants and the evening's host.