Poetess lost in a fairy tale_ Yemen Observer

Poetess lost in a fairy tale

By Afrah Nasser

Yemen Observer

09-04-2011

Journalism led Raghda Gamal to an ever-lasting love for poetry. Her work as a culture editor for several Yemeni newspapers in Arabic and English since 2008 enriched her passion for this word art. In March her first collection of poetry written in English, Lost In A Fairy Tale, was published. To publish poetry in English is considered a unique step for a Yemeni poet.

Gamal had earlier published a number of her poems on her Facebook page so that her friends could have an exclusive look at her poems before revealing it to the public. This was an initial measure of people’s interaction with her poetry. Her friends didn’t know that she was about to publish a collection of poems and were supportive as most of the poems appealed to them.

The 25-year-old poetess and journalist presents a promising step in the field of Yemen’s poetry. One of the early signs of her talent and passion for poetry was when she was awarded top honors in the Sana'a University Poetry Writing Competition in 2008.

Gamal holds a BA English degree and obtained a post-graduate diploma in journalism.

During her work as culture editor she has been honored five times by six different Yemeni government ministers in recognition for her excellent work in writing and reporting. In this interview with the Yemen Observer she speaks about her latest work and future plans.

Yemen Observer (YO): Tell us about your book Lost In A Fairy Tale.

Raghda Gamal (RG): Lost In A Fairy Tale is a collection of poems written in the English language. It contains 33 poems across nine chapters. It was published on March 19 which is Yemeni Journalism Day.

YO: Why in English and not in Arabic?

RG: The ability to write poetry is a gift. For me that ability came with English only. I really can’t write poetry in Arabic. I can write poetry in English only.  I don’t know why but I believe I have this gift only if I write in English.

YO: Since when have you had an interest in poetry and when did you decide to work on the book?

RG: Since forever. I love reading poetry either in Arabic or English. My interest in writing poetry started when I was in college; particularly six years ago. I started working on my book last year and it was ready last October.

YO: Did journalism lead you to poetry?
RG: There is a close relationship between journalism and poetry. I began working in journalism as a culture editor and the 'Poetry Corner' was one of the most important factors of the success of my weekly culture page.

My poetry was the main reason why Zaid al-Alaya’a, who was editor-in-chief at the Yemen Observer newspaper, gave me the position of culture editor at that newspaper in 2008.

YO: What does poetry mean to you?

RG: It is the art of feeling and beauty.

YO: Why did you publish some of your poems on Facebook before publishing them in the book?

RG: I wanted to know the reaction of my readers. I wanted to know if my poems were worthy of publication. I posted some of them on my Facebook page and the feedback I received from my readers and friends was way more than what I had expected. They all expressed their interest to read my poems and they encouraged me to go forward in this path.

YO: How long did you work on this book?

RG: It took me one year to complete it.

YO: What inspired you to write these poems?

RG: My inspiration came from many personal situations. I was inspired by a lot of stories I covered during my work as a journalist. For example, I wrote a poem about the issue of child marriage that little girls in Yemen suffer from.

YO: What does it mean to you to publish your book during this sensitive time in Yemen?

RG: It’s a glorious time for Yemen. It’s a time of change, freedom and victory. I’m honored to publish my book at this time. This book is evidence that Yemeni youth and particularly Yemeni women are well-educated, cultured and are ready to let their voices be heard across the world.

YO: Are there any poems dedicated to your country and what is the message in them?

RG: Yes, there is a chapter titled 'About home…' and it includes two poems dedicated to Yemen. Both poems are a call to Yemeni youth to become proud of their country.

YO: Who are your role models from among poets in Yemen and internationally and why?

RG: I love the poems of the great Yemeni poet Dr. Abdulaziz al-Maqaleh. I’m very proud that I had the chance to meet him once. I also love reading to the late American poetess Emily Dickinson.

YO: What is beautiful about poetry?

RG: The beauty is that everyone perceives it differently. Every one of us will read and understand a poem according to his or her personal experiences and tastes.  

YO: What’s next for you on your agenda? Have you thought about writing a novel?

RG: Nowadays I’m focusing on my studies as I’m completing a master's degree in journalism. I may write a collection of short stories or even a novel in the future.

YO: What were the difficulties that you faced to publish the book?

RG: Nothing. As I wrote in the introduction of my book, the fact that I have great friends who helped me with everything to publish this book was very important. This started with the help of my younger brother, Magdi, who is a graphic designer and my friends, the two copy editors Ross West and Jessica Christopher. The amazing designer Hani Al-Nasheri and the two beautiful ladies; the photographer Bushra Al-Fusail and the young model Stella Hallak, all assisted. Working with them was an amazing experience.

YO: Who supported you the most in your work on this book?

RG: My friends and my fiancé.

YO: What can you tell other youth who have the same ambition to publish books and yet hesitate or feel frustrated about the problems they could face?

RG: They have to believe in their gifts and to follow their dreams no matter what. And if anyone of them wants my help as a journalist or a culture editor, they must not hesitate to contact me.

YO: Anything else you want to add?

RG: I would love to thank Faris al-Sanabani and Hussien Dara’an for helping me to publish this book.