Omani Poet Ruqaya Al-Harthi Discusses Her Literary Journey

Omani poet Ruqaya bint Ali Al-Harthi recently reflected on her literary career. She grew up in a supportive family environment that nurtured literature. Poetry served as a safe haven for expressing her feelings since childhood. These early beginnings eventually led to the publication of three poetry collections. Her books include “I Found a Shadow” and “A Resting Place.”

The Enduring Power Of The Classical Arabic Poem

She believes poetry uniquely touches the human soul and awakens hidden emotions. The distinctiveness of Omani poetry builds effective bridges to Arab readers. Al-Harthi recalls her parents reciting memorized verses during family gatherings. She also helped her grandfather rewrite his own poetic drafts. This environment created a fertile ground for her initial poetic ideas.

She aims to write texts that carry a noble message for the recipient. She wants her writings to illuminate the soul of the reader. The poet emphasizes the enduring vitality of the classical Arabic poem. She views it as a strong form capable of integrating with the present. Her three collections form a continuous, evolving path in her experience.

Preserving The Identity Of The Omani Poet

Al-Harthi acknowledges that literary prizes provide beautiful recognition of a poem's merit. However, she believes poets must not write solely to satisfy prize evaluators. They must cling to the core message that created their unique voice. She feels the Omani poet possesses a distinct mark in the poetry scene. Writing is often a laborious process before the actual drafting begins.

She points out that a poem need not stem strictly from personal experience. Human feeling is shared, allowing poets to reflect the experiences of others. Poetry can approach human concerns while maintaining its aesthetic dimension. Al-Harthi embraces modern technology as a new space for publishing literature. The survival of poetry depends on its connection to contemporary human reality.

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