Ideas that never sleep
The evening opened with poet Hiba Al-Sharqi introducing Al-Sahlawi’s journey, highlighting her poetry collection I Had to Delay You and her prose book Welcome to the Night Train – for Ideas That Sleep, from which Al-Sahlawi read passages presented as a “mental game” for the audience.
The power of poetry and the spring of words
Al-Sahlawi described poetry as “the widest space of humanity,” stating that through poetry one can challenge logic and break imposed limits, and that writing is both a healing act and a search for an expanded life. She emphasised that even amid material concerns, humans need a poem to express moments of loss or vulnerability.
Pride in poetry and daily practice
Al-Sahlawi affirmed her identity as a poet despite professional and familial responsibilities, noting that poetry is integral to her daily life and can appear on paper, tissue boxes, or even a friend’s hand when inspiration strikes. Her short prose pieces, initially a form of “self-archiving,” have become a bridge connecting her to readers through shared human experiences of strength, weakness, betrayal, healing, and spirit. She urged everyone to write their inner history, describing it as a valuable human legacy.
From Sharjah to the world
Amal Al-Sahlawi, a poet from Sharjah, writes in both classical and free verse. She has participated in numerous international literary events, and her poetry has been performed by prominent singers. She took part in SIBF 2025 as part of its rich cultural programme.
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