Rifqa

“In Palestine death is sudden, instant, constant, happens in between breaths.”

This was such a beautiful and memorable collection of poetry written by Mohammed El-Kurd narrating his experiences growing up living under the Israeli government's army. While, I have only recently discovered and began to understand the true beauty that is poetry, I believe this has to be one of the best that I have read. Rifqa makes you feel such strong emotions and I highly recommend everyone to take the time and pick this up.

I am forever praying for a free Palestine.

This was beautiful, and especially poignant and painful to read now, given that the need for Palestinian liberation has only increased. Only rating it 4/5 because I'm not the most confident poetry reader? But that's a me issue, not an El-Kurd issue! Would recommend to anyone educating themselves about Palestine.

3rd March 2024:

Rifqa is a poetry collection where if you read with the intention to connect and understand the verses gently guide you through the eyes of the people mentioned in them. From the chants of revolution outside a hospital, to the farewell of Palestine's Jasmine, each word is heavier than a mountain.


Final Rating: 5/5