From left to right and top to bottom: Lebanese poets Etel Adnan, May Ziadeh, Nadia Tueini, May Murr, Rita Baddoura, Valerie Cachard, Manar Ali Hassan and Hala Ghosn. (Rights reserved)
The anthology Crépuscule, published by Kaph Books, offers a fresh perspective on Lebanese poetry by women. This cross-disciplinary collection is a testament to the enduring power of poetry to navigate life's complexities, particularly in the face of adversity. It explores themes of identity, resilience and social issues, often overlooked in traditional literary narratives. Instead, the anthology marks the beginning of a new era in Lebanese women’s poetry, signaling a shift from darkness to light.
Literary translator Nada Ghosn recalls the excitement she felt when her friend Paulina Spiechowicz proposed a project to elevate the voices of Lebanese women poets. “At an exhibition of artists' books in Beirut, I was captivated by the raw power of Etel Adnan's poetry,” explained the young Italian Polish woman. “I was intrigued by the depth of her words and wanted to explore the broader landscape of Lebanese women's poetry.”
“The idea of curating a collection of such powerful voices was incredibly inspiring, so we embarked on a project involving research, exploration, translation and publication,” she added. “It was during the revolution, when women were at the forefront of social change, challenging norms and pushing boundaries. We curated a collection of poetic voices that aligned with this spirit of defiance,” Ghosn, who is also a journalist, said.
The young women launched the project at first by issuing call for texts: “We aimed to showcase contemporary voices that challenged the norms of traditional poetry. Along with editor Nour Salameh, Paulina and I chose the messages that resonated with us most. Concurrently, I delved into French and Lebanese libraries, seeking women poets who shared this boundary-pushing ambition. I uncovered avant-garde women writers from the 1930s, notably the enigmatic Claire Gebeyli, whose work was particularly inspiring,” Nada Ghosn explained. A total of 80 poetesses contributed over 200 poems in Arabic, French and English, organized thematically into categories like shipwreck, void, revolt, matrix, Beirut, night, horizons, dream and glow.
“We have structured the texts thematically, from a foundation of nothingness to a touch of light, centering on Beirut,” the translator stated. This anthology reflects the ongoing poetic revival, frequently showcased in contemporary art performances. “Contemporary texts often lean toward a more graphic, raw spoken-word style. Throughout the century, the themes of the body, revolt, liberation and Lebanon have persisted. Today's poetesses address societal issues like the waste crisis and the decision to remain childless.” she noted.
The anthology includes renowned poets like Etel Adnan, Nadia Tueini, Rita Baddoura, Hyam Yared and Valerie Cachard, alongside emerging voices such as Manar Ali Hassan, Hala Ghosn, Ranim Daher, May Elian and many others.
The cover of “Crépuscule,” published by Kaph Books. (Rights reserved)
‘Joy coexists with a constant fear of impending disaster’
As Paulina Spiechowicz notes, Crépuscule reveals the complexity of Lebanese culture. “Despite being relatively open compared to regional counterparts, the country remains conservative regarding women's rights. Their voices are amplified through art and poetry, rather than through politics,” she observed. “These poems are deeply rooted in the Lebanese landscape, blending sweetness with extraordinary strength and joy with a constant fear of impending disaster,” she added.
Nour Salameh, founder and director of Kaph Books, is the third member of the project. "Founded in 2015, Kaph Books is a leading Arab publisher of art books showcasing Arab artists and practices. Our publishing house is dedicated to disseminating Arab voices on a global scale. Nada and Paulina conducted extensive research for Crépuscule, while I oversaw the project, including editorial assistance, graphic design and production," the publisher explained. "The collection embodies our Lebanese identity, from the depths of darkness and war to the heights of dreams and hope," she asserted.
The writing gesture
Through her poetry, Mariam Janjelo harnesses the power of words to articulate the complexities of her emotions, revealing the profound impact of this art form on her personal journey. “Poetry provides me with a platform for self-examination and contemplation. It enables me to forge connections with others who share similar experiences. Through the creation of evocative imagery, poetry becomes a tool for shaping reality and inspiring human connection,” the author explained with passion. “My poetry draws inspiration from the beauty of Lebanon's landscapes and is deeply rooted in my personal experiences and the stories of others,” she said.
Since the outbreak of war, Mariam Janjelo has struggled to write more than a few lines. “We were forced to flee our homes, leaving us in a state of shock. Once the situation stabilizes, I hope to find the words, in Arabic, to express the horrors we've endured,” she concluded, her voice filled with emotion.
Excerpt from Janjelo's poetry:
“What is the purpose of writing?
To defy the passage of time crawling under our skin
This time, it is a black spider
Who spins her eggs upon our lips (...)
Who knows?
Perhaps she'll weave anew, the souls of those who have departed among us.
To love's eternal flame, defiant in the face of war.
Undeterred by iron's might.” (Mariam Janjelo)
This article was translated and edited from L'Orient-Le Jour by Yara Malka.
