After being arrested and incarcerated in the aftermath of a student demonstration, the young author of this collection of poetry began to write, finding a strength and resiliency through the creative process that would help him survive his sentence. The blend of rhythm, Egyptian slang, and spiritual and literary references intertwine and intersect to create a coded speech and a glimpse into the isolation and segregation from the outside world that a prisoner feels. Dozens of poems give center stage to the grief-like process of dealing with a life from behind bars, and readers will also see the poetic tradition inherited and shared by the author and its impact not just on his own ability to cope but to inspire and create something for others like him who are locked away from the world.

Through the preserved writing created during his time in prison, one can easily connect with the poet’s struggles as he comes to terms with the consequences of living in unjust conditions, and the dehumanizing way incarceration, especially under wrongful grounds, can tear a person away from every aspect of their life including their own sense of self. Though written initially in Arabic and translated secondhand to English, the weight and meaning of these words hold their truth no matter the language, and the flourishes and artistry involved in their selection are preserved. Political and generational struggles simmer beneath the surface, infusing each poem with righteous indignation and hope for a return to a familiar world, while acknowledging the continuing flaws in that normalcy. Devastating yet beautiful, these poems and their images do not dissipate easily, remaining with the reader in a heart-wrenching yet inspirational way.

The personal and unjust nature of the author’s circumstances and inspirations gives each of these poems a devastating weight and punch. Emotions swell and recede from verse to verse, bringing feelings of indignation and resignation to each line like an ocean’s tide. While anyone familiar with the thought process of a prisoner, especially one imprisoned under dubious reasons, will recognize common throughlines of thought, the poet’s personal voice and touches give these selections a haunting, lingering quality. The imbalance between classes, generations, the caged, and the free creates a constant tension that reminds one about the scars that being incarcerated creates, lasting long beyond the sentence handed down and often carried by friends and family of those convicted.

The poems in this volume have been translated from their native Egyptian Colloquial Arabic into English. However, thanks to a direct relationship between the poet and translator, their meaning and cadence are preserved in the process. Double meanings and references are processed and cited, providing the English-speaking reader with a glimpse into cultural significances and moments that would otherwise be lost in a more literal translation effort. The end result is poetry that feels both familiar and relatable while also feeling like something exotic and new. The translation notes guide one through obfuscations and create a bridge for those unfamiliar with Egyptian customs, culture, or even its penal system. Anyone with empathy in their heart and an open mind will be drawn into this world and feel these lonesome and vulnerable moments come to life from the page.

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