HomsTimes

The Homs Literary Forum held a vibrant literary evening at the Harmony Cultural Center in the Al‑Hamidiyah neighborhood, featuring a diverse group of poets and writers who presented a rich collection of poetry, prose, zajal, and reflective writings. The event highlighted the depth of local talent and the enduring role of literature in expressing memory, emotion, and collective experience.

Opening with a Philosophical Reflection on Life

Writer Nahla Rahhal opened the evening with a reflective piece titled “Life”, offering a poetic and philosophical meditation on existence and its shifting meanings.

Zajal Reviving Memory and Nostalgia

Poet Afif Rahhal presented two zajal pieces: “Syria, Land of Peace”, which revisited the story of Saint Paul, and “Our Moon Is Upset Tonight”, a nostalgic dialogue with the moon meant to illuminate family nights with warmth and longing.

Prose Texts Exploring Pain and Loss

Najwa Al‑Khudr delivered a prose piece titled “Red Gold”, invoking the symbolism of pure Syrian blood, followed by another text exploring the bitterness of longing for people and places lost. In her piece “In My Pouch”, writer Hanadi Abu Hanoud expressed the pain of displacement and her deep connection to her village.

Poetry on Women, War, and Hope

Poet Hayat Ali recited her poem “A Woman with the Flavor of War”, capturing the emotions of women in times of conflict, followed by a literary dialogue titled “Many Questions” centered on hope, humanity, and peace. Writer Siham Issa presented “Scratches of Longing” in a style inspired by weather forecasts, along with another creative text using pharmaceutical terminology.

Zajal on Love and the Power of Words

Maher Jroush performed zajal pieces exploring themes of love and giving, emphasizing the value of words and their impact on individuals and society.

War’s Pain and the Call for Unity

Writer Hazar Al‑Fares highlighted the suffering caused by war, poverty, and senseless violence, affirming that pain is universal despite differing circumstances. From Hama, poet Samer Al‑Sheikh Taha contributed with “Partners in Building”, celebrating national unity, and “Let Me See You”, filled with emotion and determination.

Reflections on Sorrow, Hope, and Childhood

Writer Jana Shahhoud shared her piece “Thoughts in the Time of Ice”, portraying the tension between sorrow and hope during war. Poet Mona Al‑Reis recited her zajal poem “Let’s Stay Children”, calling for a return to innocence, along with other pieces on love and human ingratitude.

Poetry on Jerusalem, Love, and Solidarity

Poet Mohammad Dabdoub presented “The Return”, expressing hope for returning to Jerusalem, followed by a romantic poem titled “I Confess This Love”. Poet Ghassan Daloul recited “We Are All in One Boat”, calling for unity and compassion, in addition to his zajal poem “January’s Breeze” and the romantic “Saturday Encounter”.

A Zajal‑Filled Finale

The evening concluded with poet Khadija Hijazi, who performed a selection of zajal poems centered on love and affection, bringing the event to a warm and expressive close.

This literary gathering is part of the ongoing cultural movement in Homs aimed at nurturing creative talents, enriching the local cultural scene, and strengthening community engagement through literature and the arts.