Expression

Poetry has been a honored tradition in the Arabian Peninsula for at least 1500 years. Arabic lends itself to poetic expression through its immense vocabulary, rhythmic structure and flexibility.

The Muhamasheen people, Yemen's historically marginalized community, often turn to poetry as a source of resilience, self-expression and comfort. Through verse, they document their experiences of discrimination while affirming their dignity, shared identity, and hope.

Sometimes poetry is written only for themselves, while other times it's meant to be shared in a gathering or on Whatsapp.

A poem may take the form of a stream-of-consciousness lament or may be carefully honed over time. Formal recognition of poetry and other art forms of the Muhamasheen people is often denied, but here is a space for Muhamasheen poems to be experienced.