Annie Patton: Conclusion
Now that his journey is over, who will carry the torch to light the way?
Rather than dwelling on the passing of a national, beloved icon, let us look to the future of Palestine, and the creatives there already carrying their own torches through the darkness.
Just a few to mention:~Suheir Hammad; FEMALE writer and poet, perhaps you have seen her on Ted Talks
~Sharif Waked; visual artist. His website here.
~Elia Suleiman; filmmaker and director,
~Mona Hatoum; FEMALE visual and installation artist
It is so uplifting knowing that the creative spirit, no matter how melancholy, can never truly die. Mahmoud Darwish was an amazing natural force; both powerful and vulnerable. He laid the spiritual foundation for a better, stronger future that includes peace, art, and human connection. It is an honor to follow his footsteps and I hope that after this, we begin to follow in them.
Ending Questions to think on:
1. It might be interesting to note that perhaps Darwish found so much success as a Palestinian writer and creative because of his gender--I couldn't possibly make such a conclusive statement without the proper amount of research, however. It is simply interesting to think about. If he were a woman, would he have been published at all throughout his life? Would he have been able to work on the PLO executive council? Etc Etc
2. What do you think Mahmoud Darwish's poetry might have been like if he hadn't experienced war and exile? Would he have written at all?
3. How does his poetry make YOU feel?
