A Heartfelt Farewell to Zaher Al Ghafri: The Poet Who Bridged Worlds
The world of poetry has dimmed with the passing of Zaher Al Ghafri, the celebrated Omani poet who left us at the age of 68 after a courageous battle with liver cirrhosis. His journey, which concluded in Malmö, Sweden, will soon bring him back to the Sultanate of Oman, where he will find eternal rest among the mountains and valleys that inspired his profound verses.
A Titan of Contemporary Poetry
Born in 1956, Al Ghafri was not just a poet; he was a masterful weaver of words who reshaped the landscape of contemporary Omani poetry. With a career spanning over 25 years, he gifted the world more than a dozen poetry collections, each a testament to his lyrical brilliance. Works like White Hooves, Silence Comes to Confess, and In Every Land a Well Dreams of a Garden resonate deeply, having been translated into languages such as Spanish and Chinese, transcending cultural divides and touching hearts around the globe.
The Roots of Inspiration
Al Ghafri’s academic journey took him to Mohammed V University in Rabat, where he immersed himself in Philosophy. This intellectual pursuit ignited a passion for literature and culture that propelled him into the world, where he roamed cities and explored their rich histories. He believed that culture is a reflection of its people, yet, despite his extensive travels, he remained anchored to the vibrant landscapes of his homeland—a land rich with stories yearning to be told.
The Essence of Human Experience
“Walking on the edge of the world / to reach the valleys you lost / stones shine like the gold of memory / the journey is far too long / the wind follows the wave of your hand / and despair lights up / your dream-filled eyes gazing at the stars.”
A Cultural Titan
Al Ghafri is revered for his role in advancing Arabic prose poetry, drawing inspiration from his vibrant life and the cultures he encountered. His time in Iraq during the 1960s and 1970s exposed him to the lyrical beauty of poets like Badr Shakir al-Sayyab and Mahmoud Darwish. His journeys across Europe and the West, particularly to France, Britain, and the United States, allowed him to engage with global literary figures, enriching his own work while contributing to the broader tapestry of world literature.
A Global Voice
Zaher Al Ghafri’s poetry transcended borders, with many of his works translated into languages such as Spanish, English, German, Swedish, Persian, Hindi, and Chinese. This remarkable reach enabled his verses to resonate with readers from diverse backgrounds. His most notable collections include:
- White Hooves (1983)
- Silence Comes to Confess (1991)
- Flowers in a Well (2000)
- Shadows the Color of Water (2006)
- In Every Land a Well Dreams of a Garden (2018)
- The Bedroom (2020)
Awards and Legacy
Throughout his illustrious career, Al Ghafri garnered numerous prestigious awards, including the “Kika” Poetry Award in 2008 for his evocative poem Stranger Between Two Rivers. This accolade celebrated his unique ability to intertwine poetry with narrative, addressing themes of travel, alienation, and nostalgia.
A Champion of the Arts
As the editor of Al-Barwaz Magazine, Al Ghafri championed the poetic arts, fostering connections among writers across the Arab world. His works illuminated the pages of esteemed publications like Egypt’s Idhi’ah 77 and Lebanon’s Mawaqif. He was a familiar face at major cultural festivals, from the Mesopotamia International Festival in the Netherlands to the Sidi Bou Said International Poetry Festival in Tunisia, captivating audiences with his powerful recitations.
An Eternal Legacy
Zaher Al Ghafri’s legacy will endure not just in his words but in the hearts he touched through his art. As we bid farewell to this literary luminary, we celebrate a life that bridged cultures and illuminated the human experience. His verses will continue to inspire future generations, a beautiful reminder that even in death, a poet’s voice remains eternal, echoing through the ages.
