The poetic journey of Nimah Ismail Nawwab has gone global with “the unfurling” of her remarkable collection of English poems. The first limited edition appeared in July 2004, with a second edition released this month and made available through Amazon.com.
Within moments of meeting Nimah Nawwab, poet, writer and photographer, and gazing into her sparkling, smiling eyes, one catches a glimpse of her muse, quick wit and of wisdom beyond her years. Ms. Nawwab’s words give us the flavor, aroma, sights, and sounds of old and new Arabia, presenting a rich tapestry of imagery that takes us from the first piece in her volume of poetry, “The Longing” to the last, a haiku entitled “Exuberance.”
The Longing (excerpt)
Freedom,
How her spirit
Hooks,
Haunts,
Entices us all!
Freedom,
Will the time come
For my ideas to roam
Across this vast land’s deserts
Through the caverns of the Empty Quarter?
Exuberance
Lyrics pound,
mind and heart rejoice
humming the song of life.
Nawwab sheds light on the culture and society of a country in transition where young and old have witnessed unprecedented change affecting every facet of life and requiring a constant adjustment to political, cultural and societal evolution. She says, “ten years from now there will no longer be a ‘typical’ Saudi. The challenge is to retain a sense of identity, picking up the best practices while keeping a sense of value and pride in one’s essence, faith and roots. Being Muslim, Saudi and Arab is integral to our thoughts and souls.”
Her poetic expression of life’s experiences, women, freedom, society and the younger generation involved in universal themes of love, loss, change and the simple joys in life embrace the realm of global education. Audrey Shabbas, founding director of the Arab World and Islamic Resources and School Services, recommends Nawwab’s book of poetry to teachers, students and those interested in Arab culture as a wonderful tool for dispelling stereotypes and replacing them with understanding.
Ms. Nawwab’s collection of more than 80 poems written in English has drawn the attention of several educators at home and abroad who have incorporated her work into their poetry curriculums and workshops. Texan educator, novelist and poet Linda Edwards, who recently read Nimah’s poem entitled “The Coming” to a class of high school students, said it helped her students to recognize that, contrary to television’s idea of the individual as being self sufficient, adult support and nurturing is essential to developing full-functioning human beings.
The Coming (excerpt)
The young shoots spring forth,
Seeking sunshine, care and love.
Will they be able to grow,
Will our world take the new generation
With all its hopes,
Aspirations,
Dreams,
Concerns,
And nurture the tender shoots?
Will they be understood,
Their talents appreciated,…
Or will they be controlled,
Belittled,
Derided,
Cut down, ignored,
To lie withered,
Unable to grow and bloom.
The choice is ours,
The custodians of the newcomers.
A recent successful US book tour led to numerous readings before diverse audiences.
Pit Pinegar, poet and educator, praises Nimah for her uniquely effective style of reading which makes direct contact with the audience and produces a sense of intimacy.
The poet herself explains, “Sources of inspiration nearly always occur at two or three o’clock in the morning, in most cases, as an outpouring — a flood of images, thoughts and words from which one has to exert a lot of effort in order to create a poem.” Listening to her favorite music enhances inspiration to a greater degree.
In addition, her affinity for animals is reflected in pieces such as “The Awakening” and “Arabian Nights.” Naturally, her indefatigable drive and goals has led to a music and poetry CD.
She takes great delight in sharing her work with young people and is currently forming a young writers and poets group geared toward writing, poetry and presentation skills.
Her advice for aspiring poets is to “read, read and immerse yourself in poetry; breathe poetry; work with other poets; form a support group; attend carefully selected poetry workshops, and read about the latest trends in writing and publishing, referring to literary magazines for poets.”
Watch for future developments in the works of Nimah Ismail Nawwab — a glistening jewel among Arab poets.
Readers can get more information on her background and a sample of her poetry by visiting:
www.aramcoexpats.com
www.middleeastwindow.com/article934.html
www.outintheblue.com