Earth Presses Against Us by Mahmoud Darwish

Delve into the poetic world of Mahmoud Darwish on this week's episode of Words That Burn. Uncover the heart-wrenching narrative of "Earth Presses Against Us" from his 1986 anthology, "Fewer Roses." .Often considered to be Palestine's most important poet, Darwish's poetic expanse narrates the profound pain and oppression of immigrants, particularly from the Palestinian perspective. Born in the Palestinian village of Birweh, Darwish became an emblem of resistance and a voice of lamentation after witnessing the demolition of his home by Israeli forces. Through poetic analysis, we trace the suffocating journey of a fleeing group of refugees, unearthing the symbolism of stones, and the essence of identity in exile, and the hope of the olive tree while we do so. All this punctuated by looking at the style and technique that made Darwish a titan of poetry. By the end, we confront the inevitability of sacrifice and the everlasting hope embedded in the iconic Palestinian olive tree. Whether you're a long-time fan of Darwish or just starting, this episode is a poignant journey into the resilience and heartache of the Palestinian spirit. Join me as we uncover the layers of one of Palestine's most compelling poets.Substack ScriptInstagramTwitterTik Tok Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.