Lamps on the sad wall
by Nabil AI-Ansari
BOOK REVIEW
FAWZI Al-Bakri was born in Jerusalem in 1946, the son of a prominent family. Growing up he developed a passion for literature and for freedom through expression. Though his formal literary education was cut short in 1967, when he was prevented from completing his studies in Arabic literature, his love of literature never died. He was influenced by his father 'the defender' Sheikh Yassin Al-Bakri, but above all was self-taught, devoting himself to reading and poetry.
Acclaimed as a new kind of Palestinian poet with a fresh approach, Al-Bakri has developed his own distinctive style. His language is forceful and enhanced with powerful imagery. Its impact is sharpened by his talent for selecting the mot juste. Although his poetry is innovative he uses the firm foundation laid by the traditional Arabic poets as a starting point. Ahmad Shawqi "who is prince of poets" (1868-1932) is one to whom he has been likened.
For some years Fawzi Al-Bakri worked as a teacher, then as a journalist, and most recently as an editor in the local press. Currently he is working as an editor at the Arab Studies Association, involved with the printing of periodicals.
His first collection of poems was released in the 1980's under the title 'Beggar from the Old City of Jerusalem'. Although at present his work is little known, there are those who believe that his literary achievements should be recognized formally. He regards the vehicles of expression as being of fundamental importance. He points to language itself as the cornerstone of his writings and the foundation of culture as a whole.
His style is populist, in so far as Al-Bakri believes that a poem should be clear and readily comprehended by the average reader. He is an innovator in Arabic poetry, sometimes experimenting with satirical expression which is bold and straight-forward, manifesting a style which is simple and natural. His subjects and symbols are often drawn from modern everyday life.
Behind the simplicity of the subject material and imagery there lies a thematic depth which reflects Al-Bakri's interest in philosophy. On this level his poems are intellectually demanding, and it is perhaps not surprising that his work enjoys favour primarily among 'intellectuals'. The new collection of poems Diwan qanadil 'ala alswor al-hazin (Lamps on a Sad Wall) is dedicated to the souls of the Palestinian martyrs, and especially to his father. There are 30 poems in the collection, including: 'Lamps on a Sad Wall', 'O Jerusalem Don't Wait', and 'Passengers in Illusion.'
