Do Not Seek the Purpose in My Words by Zain Al-Abidin Al-Dubaibi translated by Hatem Al-Shamea Do not seek the purpose in my words, For darkness has consumed my fingers and my tongue. The years plunder moments from me, Forcibly, and their cup overflows with my tears. This bitter smoke is the …
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Tradition and Modernity in Yemeni Literature: A Critical Analysis of Hamid Oqabi’s The Yemeni Stallion by Hatem Al-Shamea Introduction The Yemeni Stallion, “الكبش اليماني الفحل” is a contemporary novel written by the Yemeni writer, Hamid Oqabi in 2024. It delves into the cultural and social fabric of a Yemeni village. Through its narrative, the …
When Pain Slumbers by Eman Al-Saeedi translated by Hatem Al-Shamea (1) The chemistry of the universe, Bodies of pallor. There, Where the green face of humanity withers Like the veins of an aged wind. (2) In an existence of anxiety, Half of it blood, and half of it whiteness. For the fragility of …
Rereading the Egyptian Film “Escape to the Top” By Hatem Al-Shamea “Escape to the Top” (الهروب إلى القمة), was released in 1996, directed by Adel al-Aasar and written by Muhammad Safa’ Al-Amir and starring the renowned Egyptian actor Nour El Sharif, offers a bold and incisive critique of corruption and socio-economic despair in Egypt. …
Oh, dwellers on the shelf of absence by Naji Atayh translated by Hatem Al-Shamea Oh, dwellers on the shelf of absence, is it not Time for your return, after this long neglect? Long have we stood upon the reasons for your return, Our spirits behind us, savoring the pain. How long shall …
The Garment of a Lonely Birth by Eman Al-Saeedi translated by Hatem Al-Shamea The Garment of a Lonely Birth To my dear homeland. Do not wear out the garment of our only birth.. Thus, I imagine my one true friend whispering in my ear. My friend, Whose heart distances have …
Here and Now by Mahmoud Darwish translated by Hatem Al-Shamea Here, among the fragments of something And nothing, we live On the outskirts of eternity. Sometimes, we play chess, and we do not Care about the fates beyond the door. We are still here Building from the ruins Dovecotes of lunar pigeons. …
Critical Review and Analysis of Anas Al-Hajri’s Poem, O, Sam by Hatem Al-Shamea Introduction O Sam, arise to see Sana’a, for within her dwell A people who grow hungrier with each meal they eat. I care not for Ali or Muawiya, Nor for those who rejected or accepted rule. An elder searches through …
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A Homeland for a Bleeding Rose by Eman Al-Saeedi translated by Hatem Al-Shamea A Homeland for a Bleeding Rose In my homeland, The fragrance bleeds like the eye of a needle. The needle that knits the garment of the moment, sings. It sings like a nun bathing for her prayers, then bowing to …
Melody of Femininity by/ Entesar Hasan translated by Hatem Al-Shamea Melody of Femininity With the melody of my femininity, soothe me For you have caused my clamor Like a storm, you swept through me Oh, the ruin of my realms What is the solution, my love? You have scattered my things! Please, solve my …
**Poem** by/ Nabilah Al-Sheikh translated by Hatem Al-Shamea Poem Now I hold The soul of the poem Now I can grasp In the surge of poetry That rare essence The poetry will pour forth Without care And I become a vast airport For the seagulls to ascend from me And descend into me I …
Exile By Nabiha Mahdur The borders closed, and he found himself trapped, a wanderer on the sidewalk of exile, begging for a homeland. A New Home – Nabila Al-Sheikh – trans. Hatem Al-Shamea
A Critical Review on the short story “Memory” of Entesar Asseri Entesar Asseri is widely considered one of Yemen’s most prominent contemporary female writers. In her short story “Memory”, Asseri uses Surrealist techniques to challenge normative gender roles and critique patriarchal power dynamics in Yemeni society. Through the unnamed male protagonist’s loss of memory and …
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Navigating the Poetic Landscape: A Critical Examination of Access to Meaning, Preference, and the Question of Genre by Hatem Al-Shamea Introduction The realm of Arabic poetry is a rich and diverse tapestry, woven from threads of classical forms and modern innovations. Among these, two prominent genres stand out: the classical Arabic poem (qasidah) …
The Curse By Nabiha Mahdur Translated by Hatem Al-Shamea She retreated to a secluded spot, concealing the turmoil that churned within her. With each kick, regret slapped her like a stinging blow. Her forehead beaded with sweat, shards of pain tearing through her being. She cursed herself a thousand times, cursing the day she surrendered …
Shatha Shawki Hasan Al-Khateeb ”’Shatha Shawki Hasan Al-Khateeb”’ (born February 24, 1975) is a Yemeni novelist, short story writer and educator. She writes primarily in Arabic and explores themes of cultural identity, displacement, gender and the Arab world through fiction and biography. Life Al-Khateeb was born in Aden, Yemen 1975. She …
Exploring the Complexities of Power, Identity, and Conflict in Al-Gharbi Emran’s “Hisn al-Zaidi” by Hatem Al-Shamea Introduction “Hisn al-Zaidi,” a captivating novel by the renowned Yemeni novelist, Al-Gharbi Emran, delves into the intricate dynamics of power, identity, and conflict within the context of a fortress community. Set against the backdrop of the rural …
Lost Memories and Enduring Struggles: A Critical Analysis of Fatima Wahidi’s “The Second-To-Last Picture” By Hatem Al-Shamea Introduction Fatima Wahidi’s short story, “The Second-To-Last Picture,” is a poignant narrative that explores themes of obsolescence, dignity, and the relentless march of modernity. Set against the backdrop of a rapidly changing society, the story follows Sabir, …
Unraveling Mysticism and Identity in Rural Egypt – An Analysis of Majdi Jaafar’s Diaspora by Hatem Al-Shamea Introduction “Diaspora” (“الشتات”) by the Egyptian novelist Majdi Jaafar is the second part of an ambitious novel project, which began with “On the Edge of a Pit” (“على شفا حفرة”) released in 2011. The novel intertwines themes …
Let Me Embrace Hope in You By Hussein Abdulrahman Basunbul & Sung by Karama Mersal translated by Hatem Al-Shamea Oh, let me embrace hope in you, And sing a song of victory anew, I’ll send the joy of my life’s embrace, To kiss the dawn upon your face. A heart that loves …
Media’s Colonization of Culture: How Decolonizing Perspectives Offer Insight by Hatem Al-Shamea Introduction Today’s media landscape wields immense influence over globalized culture by impacting food preferences, consumer behaviors, ideological perspectives, and more. However, its power often stems from colonial legacies distorting indigenous ways of living and thinking that served communities sustainably for centuries. Applying …
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A Wandering Café by Mohyee Addin Jarma translated by Hatem Al-Shamea A Wandering Café In your land, even the pebbles bloom, Springs welling from their core. Birds beckon with their gentle swoop, Dew whispers: “Photograph – the old home’s wall.” I see summer like silence, laid to rest On a bed of sand …
A Friend by Nabilah Al-Sheikh translated by Hatem Al-Shamea Oh, be my friend, In times of silence, when words fail to express, When thoughts swirl within, like a tempest’s caress. Oh, be my friend, A confidant true, with a heart open wide, Where secrets reside, in a haven of pride. Oh, be …
Stripped of Power by Mohammed Al-Shahat translated by Hatem Al-Shamea Stripped of Power I resisted my weakness As I watched my eye, Spinning over women’s breasts And charms emerging without restraint From garments that revealed more than they concealed Declaring its desire Raising banners of lust To invade your feelings, to rise …
In Dawn’s Embrace, Whispers of Love In dawn’s embrace, where zephyrs kiss the dew, I pour my light, my fragrance, and my smile anew. My heartbeat echoes, yearnings intertwine, Embraces tender, blessings yours and mine. Wherever you may wander, my heart holds you near, In every thought, your presence ever clear. If messages …
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The Priest’s Vision! by Ahmed Abdo translated by Hatem Al-Shamea My problem was with the time factor, as every minute counts for me. In a quarter of an hour, a live broadcast of an “exceptional” Mass from the Vatican will begin. Half of our time evaporates, and we do not grieve …
Nadia Yahya Hussein Al-Kawkabani Academic, Writer, and Human Rights and Political Activist. Biography: Nadia Yahya Hussein Al-Kokbani is a Yemeni academic, novelist, and human rights and political activist. She was born on the 20th of October 1968 in Taiz. She has been actively involved in various political meetings, activities, and civil rights training …
A Bowing in the Realm of Longing By Ahmed Al-Ma’rassi translated by Hatem Al-Shamea I. The throne of beauty is the radiance of your beauty And the moon is a meaning for your perfection Your dew is the first surprise In the unknown, the paths are obscure Your meanings have exhausted the …
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A Bowing in the Realm of Longing By Ahmed Al-Ma’rassi translated by Hatem Al-Shamea I. The throne of beauty is the radiance of your beauty And the moon is a meaning for your perfection Your dew is the first surprise In the unknown, the paths are obscure Your meanings have exhausted …
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If Time Throws Evil at You translated by Hatem Al-Shamea If time throws evil at you And life in your world becomes bitter, Do not worry about your situation, but remember How much of your life you spent in good deeds? And if the earth becomes narrow for you one day And …
