SPL weaves sea songs and poetry into night of cultural reflection

August 30, 2025 / 3:44 PM

Sharjah 24: As part of its centennial celebrations, Sharjah Public Libraries (SPL) hosted an event titled ‘Songs of the sea and poetry’ on Friday at Kalba Waterfront, in collaboration with the House of Poetry at the Department of Culture. The evening brought together poets, academics and cultural figures to explore the historical and emotional ties between the Emirati people, the sea and Arabic poetry.

The programme included a panel discussion on criticism, rhetoric and heritage language in Arabic verse, featuring poets Abdullah Al-Hadiya and Talal Salem Al-Saberi. The event also featured live poetry recitals, traditional sea songs performed by the Kalba Fishermen’s Association, and an exhibition of maritime artefacts highlighting the local community’s connection to the sea.

Heritage is inherited and renewed

Poet Abdullah Al-Hadiya described himself as a messenger with a creative and intellectual mission that bridges the past, present and future. He reflected on the challenges of navigating today's information overload, yet affirmed that those with a clear purpose can still express themselves meaningfully. Questioning whether past standards can judge the present, he argued that identity is not just inherited but constantly evolving, forming the basis of one’s personal journey. He urged individuals to pursue their own paths.

Seizing the moment amid distractions

Poet Talal Salem Al-Saberi noted that today’s fast-paced world, filled with digital distractions, often makes it hard to hold onto meaningful moments. He explained that poetry, with its condensed meaning and depth, invites readers to slow down and reflect on its nuances. While modern audiences prefer brevity, he observed, they are still drawn to longer narratives, such as popular TV series. This, he said, challenges creatives to strike a balance between clarity and detail in ways that engage both the heart and the mind.

Spiritual and emotional reflections

The evening also featured poignant poetry recitals that brought a deeply emotional and spiritual dimension to the event, including a poem by Abdullah Al-Hadiya in praise of the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him.

This evening formed part of the third theme in the SPL’s centenary celebrations, titled “Horizons of writers and poets”, which seeks to highlight the beauty of Arabic poetry in Sharjah. It brings together critical readings from past and present in a session that explores criticism, rhetoric and the language of heritage in classical Arabic poetry.