The Emergence of Adib Kamel Al-Din
The poet Adib Kamel Al-Din was born in Babylon, Iraq, in 1953. He dedicated his life to writing and learning, publishing a total of ten poetry collections. In recognition of his contributions to literature, he was awarded the Grand Prize for Iraqi Poetry in 1999. His poems have been translated into numerous languages and have been critically acclaimed by various literary critics across Iraq, Tunisia, Lebanon, Palestine, Yemen, and Morocco.
Academic and Professional Life of Adib Kamel Al-Din
Academic Background
Adib Kamel Al-Din obtained degrees in Economics and English Literature from the University of Baghdad. Additionally, he earned a Diploma in Translation (Arabic-English) from the Adelaide Institute of Technical and Further Education in South Australia.
Professional Career
The poet published a collection of poetry in both Arabic and English and released six volumes that encompass his complete poetic works. Adib Kamel Al-Din’s poetry is distinguished by a strong emphasis on the beauty of letters, with each letter carrying multiple meanings and levels of significance. He has also translated short stories and poems from various languages including Arabic, Japanese, Chinese, and English from several countries including Australia, Japan, New Zealand, and the United States. Furthermore, he has contributed numerous writings to Arab magazines such as the Omani magazine Naswi, the Qatari Al-Jasra, Jordan’s Afkar, and the Emirati Al-Bayan.
Notable Poems by Adib Kamel Al-Din
Here are some of the most notable poems by Adib Kamel Al-Din:
- My Eternal Poem
- The Coins of Gilgamesh
- Go to Hell
- Seven Poems
- Dead End Question
- I Am Al-Hallaj
- The Lone Tree
- The Bird
- A Poetic Testament
- The Beginning of the Song Is No Longer Joyful
- Hold on Tight and Seek Help
Characteristics of Adib Kamel Al-Din’s Poetry
Adib Kamel Al-Din’s poetry is characterized by its varied meanings and subtle differences, rich in distinct artistic imagery and carefully selected language that often leaves a profound impact on readers. He demonstrates a remarkable ability to choose poetic themes, frequently addressing loss and sorrow, while also exploring themes of love. His work does not shy away from tackling pressing issues such as war, human rights, and personal relationships. Below are some key characteristics of his poetry:
- His poems reflect a deep appreciation for language in both English and Arabic, characterized by rich and unusual imagery, as well as the use of repetition and wordplay that creates dreamlike images in the reader’s mind.
- Kamel Al-Din’s affection for language, particularly the letters of the Arabic alphabet, is evident throughout his work, wherein he employs the language of the Holy Quran with depth and symbolism.
- The poet possesses a gentle sense of humor, which enhances the reading experience and keeps the reader engaged.
Samples of Adib Kamel Al-Din’s Poetry
Here are some excerpts from the poetry of Adib Kamel Al-Din:
I Am Al-Hallaj
Do not approach my fire!
From the fire of my heart and my secret,
For I fear for you from the flames:
From its blood, its torment, and its noise,
So be cautious
O you, tormented by longing, night, and crescent moons,
O you, stranger who renews his estrangement
With two tears
Every dawn
And every night.
My Eternal Poem
Thus I was cast into the flood
Noah was preparing his vessel, plank by plank,
And letting into it, of each pair, two.
I was crying:
O righteous man,
O man sailing towards God,
Take me with you.
As Noah disregarded my cries,
I slipped onto the miracle boat.