Syrian Poems

From the misery of a bloody and brutal civil war, new poets, poetry and cultural
creations are emerging. As the Syria-Canadian writer Ghada al-Atrash said:
"Today there is literature coming out of Syria that we could have never even dreamed
of just a few years ago."
As expatriate Syrian writer Ghias al-Jundi said:
"A lot of poetry and beautiful lyrics are rising up from the ashes in Syria. There is
a cultural side to the revolution, and it's brilliant."
As Mohja Kahf said, "A new Syrian identity and literary tradition are being formed
around the events of the last few years."
Ghias al-Jundi also explained that poetry in Syria is also playing a role of protest:
"[Poetry is] playing a huge role in Syria right now because the lyrics are part of
demonstrations. People are singing these verses together in the streets."
I am Syrian
The poem "I Am Syrian" by Youssef Abu Yihea, as translated by Ghada Alatrash, is a poignant and
heartfelt reflection on the human impact of the Syrian war and the displacement of its people. Let's break
down the poem's context in relation to the Syrian war:
• Exile and Displacement: The opening lines convey the sense of exile and displacement
experienced by the speaker and many Syrians. The use of "knife blades" and "swollen feet"
symbolizes the arduous and dangerous journey that refugees undertake to escape conflict and
seek safety. The poem captures the physical and emotional toll of being uprooted from one's
homeland.
• The poem touches on the painful experiences of Syrian refugees, who are exiled and living in tents
in Lebanon and Amman. It expresses the desperation and longing of the displaced Syrians for their
homeland. The reference to hunger and thirst highlights the dire conditions they face.
• Identity and Unity: The poem begins by emphasizing the diverse religious and ethnic
backgrounds of Syrians, highlighting the rich tapestry of Syrian society. Despite these differences,
the poet asserts a unified Syrian identity that transcends sectarian divisions. The poem
underscores the idea that Syria is the common thread that binds all its people.
• Syrian Homeland: The poet conveys a deep connection to Syria, describing it as "my land" and
"my identity." This connection is further emphasized by associating various elements of nature
with Syria, such as olives, apples, pomegranates, and more. This nature imagery symbolizes the
beauty and abundance of Syria. The poet has a connection that remains unbroken despite the
physical distance and displacement.
.
• Nature Imagery: The reference to olives, apples, pomegranates, and other elements of nature
reflects the beauty and abundance of Syria. These images serve as a contrast to the current state of
hunger and thirst experienced by the displaced Syrians in barren tents.
• Questioning Symbols: The poet questions the relevance of symbols like "thrones," "Arabism,"
"poems," and "elegies" in the face of the stark reality of displacement and suffering. This critique
 suggests that words and symbols alone cannot alleviate the suffering or replace the loss of one's
homeland.
• Human Suffering: The poem underscores the human suffering of Syrian refugees who have lost
their homes and are now struggling for survival. The reference to "barren tents" in Lebanon and
Amman highlights the temporary and often challenging conditions in which many refugees find
themselves.
• Unfulfilled Nostalgia: The poem concludes with a poignant reflection on the unfulfilled nostalgia
for the homeland. The speaker's longing for their homeland and its sustenance remains unmet
despite their current circumstances. The reference to the clouds not quenching their thirst
reinforces the idea that nothing can truly replace the homeland.
• Emotional Appeal: The poem is emotionally charged, invoking a strong sense of empathy and
sympathy for the plight of Syrians. It underscores the human aspect of the conflict, emphasizing
that the Syrian people are the heart and soul of the nation.

Overall, "I Am Syrian" is a deeply moving reflection on the profound suffering, loss, and displacement
experienced by Syrians in the context of the Syrian war. It conveys the enduring attachment to Syria and
the sense of unity among diverse Syrians in the face of adversity.
Typography
Typography in a poem refers to the visual arrangement and presentation of the text on the page. It is a
crucial aspect of poetry that can convey additional layers of meaning and enhance the reader's
experience.
. In the poem "I Am Syrian," there are several typography techniques used to emphasize and convey the
poet's message. These include:
• Line Breaks: The poet uses line breaks to control the pacing of the poem and to emphasize certain
phrases. For example, "I am a Syrian" is given its own line at the beginning, making a strong and
clear declaration of identity. Line breaks are also used effectively in phrases like "Syria is my
land" and "my Syria is my only religion," underscoring the significance of these statements.
• Spacing: The spacing between lines and stanzas is essential in creating a visual rhythm. In this
poem, the poet uses single-line spacing, which gives the poem a clean and straightforward
appearance. It allows readers to focus on the words and their emotional impact.
• Capitalization: The poet chooses to capitalize the words "I am" at the beginning of each stanza,
emphasizing the personal and emotional connection of the speaker to their identity and homeland.
• Enjambment: The poem employs enjambment, where a sentence or phrase continues from one
line to the next without a pause. For example, "Exiled, in and out of my homeland, and / on knife
blades with swollen feet I walk." This technique creates a sense of continuous movement and
emotional flow, mirroring the poet's experience of exile and displacement.
• Repetition: The repetition of certain phrases, such as "I am a Syrian" and "Syria is my," is used for
emphasis. The repetition reinforces the central themes of identity, belonging, and homeland.
• Ellipsis: The ellipsis ("...") is used at the end of the poem to create a sense of open-endedness and
contemplation. It invites the reader to reflect on the poem's themes and the unresolved situation
of the speaker.
Overall, these typography techniques in "I Am Syrian" enhance the poem's emotional resonance,
emphasize key ideas, and provide a visual structure that complements the poem's content.
When I am overcome by weakness
The poet has lived through the conflicts in Syria that started in 2011 with the pro-democracy protests
against the President of Syria. These conflicts ended up involving many groups and other countries and
have resulted in widespread death and destruction in Syria because of bombing raids, the use of chemical
warfare, fighting in the streets, torture by armed forces on protesters and prisoners
The poet Najat abdul Samad was an obstetrician and gynecologist before the conflict broke out but now
spends their time mending the thousands of broken bodies that pour into her hospital as a result of the
conflict.
This poem is a celebration of all the ordinary Syrians doing their best to survive inmextraordinary
circumstances. It is a celebration of the message of hope the poet finds in them and the way their
example gives her the courage to keep trying to heal the wounded and heal her own wounded spirit.
When faced with injustice and destruction and the temptation to give up the struggle it is normal to feel
like giving up but vital to keep on being the best person that we can.
TECHNIQUES
Extended metaphor: 'I bandage my heart' found in every single stanza - natural fit for the poet who is a
doctor
Repetition: Repetition of the idea of being overcome helps readers understand how discouraging and
depressing it is to be faced with so much suffering and death day after day. Repetition of the metaphor
helps us see there are many sources of hope and healing in people, in nature and in
abstract concepts
First person pronoun 'I' - 'When I am overcome' 'I bandage my heart' - emphasizes that this is her
personal way of coping - it's based on her experiences
triple: 'bereavement, poverty or displacement'
use of factual details e.g. his only kidney until he urinated blood - emphasises the nature of some of the
injuries - the use of facts instead of emotive language makes it more powerful. Another example is the
child with 'a small black show on one foot and a large blue sandal on the other' - gives the sense of these
are things . she actually saw not something she is making up - emphasizes how the abnormal (odd sized
and Shaped footwear) has become normal.
Let's analyze the poem in the context of the Syrian war:
• Symbolism of the Syrian Woman: The upright posture of the Syrian woman symbolizes her
refusal to be defeated by the multiple challenges posed by the war, including bereavement,
poverty, and displacement. Her ability to "shepherd life’s rituals" in the midst of conflict is a
powerful testament to the human spirit's ability to endure.
• The Outcry for Dignity: The final line, "Death and not humiliation," encapsulates a sentiment
common in many conflicts, where people prioritize maintaining their dignity and honor even in
the face of extreme sacrifice.
In the context of the Syrian war, this poem serves as a tribute to the strength, courage, and resilience of
the Syrian people, particularly women and children, who have faced immense suffering and adversity.
Structure and Line Breaks: The poem is structured with each stanza beginning a new line. This
consistent use of line breaks allows the reader to pause and reflect after each stanza. The breaks
emphasize the individual vignettes of suffering and resilience, providing a sense of separation between
each experience of hardship and determination.