Sharjah Public Libraries explores role of poetry

As part of its centennial celebrations, Sharjah Public Libraries (SPL) held a cultural seminar on Thursday titled "From Ink to Poetry", where guests explored the personal and social role of poetry, discussed their creative processes, and performed selected works.

Held at the Resistance Monument in Khorfakkan, the event brought together poets Faisal Mohammed Khalfan Al Naqbi and Saif Abdullah Khalfan Al Naqbi. It featured a live calligraphy workshop by Ali Al Hammadi, who visually interpreted key verses from poetry recitation during the session.

Faisal Al Naqbi said his interest in poetry began with listening before he moved on to writing. Regular visits to SPL’s Khorfakkan branch, where he read poetry and literature, helped him grow his skills and knowledge. He urged young people to read poetry, listen to poets, and participate in gatherings with older generations, which he views as important spaces for learning and developing talent.

People mould a poet's work

He also highlighted the audience’s role in shaping a poet’s work, noting that public engagement motivates poets to refine their craft. A responsive audience, he said, gives energy and purpose to the creative process. He also called on poets to contribute to the national poetry scene with works that reinforce cultural identity and social connection.

Dignitaries at the event.

On his part, Saif Al Naqbi described poetry as his primary means of expressing emotion, saying it felt more natural to him than other art forms. He credited the UAE’s continued support for literature and culture as a key reason for his growth and improvement. Life events, whether joyful or difficult, often sparked his inspiration, with even simple daily moments leading to full poems. For him, poetry is a direct reflection of what people experience and feel.

He also stressed that poets have a responsibility to carefully review their work before sharing it. This includes editing with care and seeking feedback from fellow poets to avoid mistakes and strengthen the final work. He encouraged poets to study traditional verse to preserve the language and expressions that define Emirati poetry. While he welcomed some modern phrasing, he maintained that poetry should stay rooted in its original style to keep its authenticity.

The session concluded with both poets reciting a selection of their poems, which drew strong engagement from the audience.