Power in Poetry with Motasem Maragan
Creativity is a powerful tool through which we can understand challenges in life. For some people this creative outlet is painting, drawing, listening to music or playing an instrument. For Hope Project client Motasem Maragan, his outlet is writing poetry. It was World Suicide Prevention Day earlier this month – so we’re sharing Motasem’s poetry to continue reflecting on this, with his creative work serving as a space for empathy and understanding.
Motasem says he believes suffering breeds creativity and after many tumultuous experiences he found the Hope Project. With practical support, he was able to move forwards and now uses his talent with words to create thought-provoking and sensitive poetry.
The Hope Project provides short-term emotional and practical support for men aged 30-64, specifically those who are in psychological distress as a result of their finances, housing or employment, with the aim of preventing suicide among this high-risk group.
In the name of God, and upon the heartbeat of letters, we begin…
Ladies and gentlemen,
A fragrant evening, scented with the perfume of the homeland… and filled with the pulse of hearts.
It is an honour, in this cultural celebration, to stand before you not just as a poet, but as a voice that carries in its words the ache of the land, the longing of love, and the flame of belonging.
In my poems, you may hear the sorrow of a waiting mother, the yearning of an eager lover, or the triumphant ululation of an unconquerable nation.
I am one shaped by the paths I’ve walked, poured into verse by longing, and taught by my homeland that poetry is a banner never lowered, and the heart—a harbour for every lover who has passed through here.
So welcome… to the realm of the word.
Welcome… to the presence of poetry,
Where we do not merely speak poetry… we live it.
Motasem was born in Sudan in 1970 and first started writing poetry in 1995. Along with his family, they travelled as refugees and experienced suffering and hardship. During this time, he wrote two books of poetry.
While he has continued to experience difficulties throughout life, with the support of the Hope Project he now enjoys spending time with his daughter and says his favourite place to be is in his garden in Bristol.
