"Longing- Inspired by the Law of Gravity" by Fadwa Tuqan

"won't you celebrate with me" by Lucille Clifton

In this episode, I read a poem by the prolific and widely respected poet, Lucille Clifton. Her work emphasizes endurance and strength through adversity, focusing particularly on the African-American experience and family life.

"won't you celebrate with me" is a poem that delves into the themes of identity and self-formation. From a timid and almost apologetic tone she invites us to celebrate the "kind of life" that she has made on her own.

Do let us know what you think about the poem at : [email protected]

"Wind- Up Doll" by Forugh Farrokhzad

I read to you a poem by the inspiring Forugh Farrokhzad, a woman who did not shy away from expressing herself. Perturbed by the roles of women and inspired by her mother's fascination for dolls this poem criticises the misplaced worldview from secluded and privileged spaces.

This translated version is by Sholeh Wolpé, and I would like to thank her for allowing me to read her poems from her book "Sin- Selected Poems of Forugh Farrokhzad, edited and translated by Sholeh Wolpé, published by the University of Arkansas Press".

Do write to us at [email protected]

Background score credit:

Warm Memories - Emotional Inspiring Piano by Keys of Moon | https://soundcloud.com/keysofmoon Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com/

"Longing- Inspired by the Law of Gravity" by Fadwa Tuqan

This poem by the Palestinian poet Fadwa Tuqan delves into the themes of loneliness, hopelessness and old age. The poet seems particularly tired of the violence that prevails as she lives. 

First published as Wahsha: Moustalhama min Qanoon al Jathibiya in Al Karmel 72-73, 2002. By arrangement with the estate of Fadwa Touqan. Translation copyright 2006 by Tania Tamari Nasir and Christopher Millis. All rights reserved.

Background score credit:

Reaching The Sky (Long Version) by Alexander Nakarada | https://www.serpentsoundstudios.com
Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com/
Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

“Female Fashions for 1799” by Mary Darby Robinson

In this satirical comedy by Mary Darby Robinson, she makes a mockery of fashion in 1799. Probably her vendetta post being reduced to a fraction of her former self against what we now call the "fashion police".

Do write to us with your comments on the poems at: [email protected]

Background music credit:

Atmosphere by Naoya Sakamata | https://www.youtube.com/c/NaoyaSakamataPIANOmusicChannel/
Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com/
Licensed under Creative Commons: Attribution 3.0 Unported (CC BY 3.0)
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

"The Sad Mother" by Gabriela Mistral

In this episode, I bring to you a poem by the poet-diplomat-educator Gabriela Mistral. An advocate for the rights of the marginalised her poems is full of emotions. Hope you enjoy this selection.

Do write to us at : [email protected]

Background music credits :

Warm Memories - Emotional Inspiring Piano by Keys of Moon | https://soundcloud.com/keysofmoon
Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com/