I’m grateful to take part in this online book launch and peace project, bringing together the voices of 80 Muslim poets from diverse backgrounds (taking place on the 31st of January, 2021).
Thanks, to anthology editor and founder of Lote Tree Press, Rabia Saida, as well as event co-host Abbas Mohamed from GAMA.
Poets appearing in this anthology are seekers, teachers, artists, parents, and activists, from every continent and spanning generations.
Their collective experiences take us on a journey through London, New York, Istanbul, Fez, Damascus and Mecca — in mosques and at sacred sites, in deserts, mountains and under towering redwoods— in heart-opening moments of connection.
The poetry navigates all the seasons of life, reflecting and meditating through outward and inward pilgrimages upon our relationships to those around us and to the Divine.
Half of the profits from this publication will go to charity to provide food and clean water to those in need.
And, because I live in America and like to think of myself as both a global citizen and activist, here’s a new poem I’ve written with 6 more days until Trump is no longer President.
Thank you, Texas Poetry Assignment, for inviting me to submit an inaugural poem.
My piece, below, was written just days before the disgraceful Capitol riots ...
I, sincerely, hope that the worst is behind us:
https://www.texaspoetryassignment.org/inauguralpoems/inaugural-directive
Really the book is good for peace.
I hope it helps in some small way 🙏🏼