Ariadne’s Notes:
The World Poetry Ambassador AMITA SANGHVI from Oman, phoned in and hosted from Oman on World Poetry Poetry Cafe, CFRO 1005.FM, June 13th 2019 ; the poet Ali Mehdi who was keen on peace and was a poet and a wonderful short story writer.
This is the first in the series of the World Poetry Ambassador whose goal is to introduce poets from Oman to the world . World Poetry Canada International hopes that other W.P.C. ambassadors will do the same in their different countries. Also, at the Vancouver, BC Coop Radio Station were: Ariadne Sawyer, MA, host and producer , host Dr. Diego Bastinutti. super tech, Victor Schwartzman and special volunteer, Sharon Rowe.
LISTEN TO THE SHOW HERE!
Ali Mehdi (1978- 2008)
Ali Mehdi juggled in many roles as a poet, a columnist and a prolific blogger and writer. He initiated several blog sites that were very popular among his generation; there sites were:
-
Sleepless in Muscat
-
Rapidly Blue
-
Oman Community Blog
-
A Secret Arabian Journal
-
Pens of Passion
-
Gonu Relief Blog
-
Photo Generation
-
Hope of Islam
-
المدى الأزرق
Ali Mehdi published three collections of his poetry: Rapidly Blue (2002), Wondrous World (2005) and his posthumous book, ‘In the Dimmest of Light’ (2008) and numerous columns and articles on his blog sites, the online edition of the Times of Oman, Oman Daily Observer, The Week and Sultan Qaboos University’s Horizon.
On reading ‘Wondrous World’ I had this initial impression/ reflection on his poems.
Amidst cathartic out-pour of thoughts and wishes, I have found and collected the ‘real gems’, those words and phrases, lyrical images and metaphors, that capture and represent the mindful philosophical Ali.
The jewel collection which I am editing and will soon be published, will contain edited poetry from all his three books, re-edited for impact. The essence of his poetry has its impact in brevity; where each poem hammers and echoes universal feelings and invaluable meaning. These priceless ‘jewels’ I have gathered and edited his poems from across his entire works. Here are a few:
Superman-I
Unblinking,
In the eye of Death,
Story less
Future less
Tears unshed:
Superman, indeed.
Unblinking,
In the eye of Death.
Superman-II
Super-manly?
I’m not that kind of a person,
Although I try to be
That kind of man-
To look upon danger,
Unblinking,
To move on, again.
I smile,
But somehow
Its out of place,
Not so super manly.