Fighting Islamophobia (even on Steemit!) with Poetry -- New Book
As Martin Luther King Jr. famously said:
“Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that.”
This is why I'm especially proud to be part of a forthcoming anthology of inspiring poetry by Muslims, in an attempt to address the rampant Islamophobia -- yes, even on Steemit! (
It's my passionate wish that poetry can help to drive the darkness of prejudice out of hearts that have become hardened and narrowed by it, while also revealing the love and beauty in a spiritual tradition I know to be peaceful and hopeful -- aka Sufism, the mystical branch of Islam.
As you will see from my poem, below, concerns of Muslims are the same as those of all of us: trying to live with grace, dignity and freedom. Please, spread poetry, not fear _/|\_
Ageing
I'm being hollowed out, I feel it
in the subtle droop of skin and will,
Like the life stuffing were slowly
being spooned from me
My mind, too, is being emptied
of needless concerns
(such as, who's in charge)
traveling lighter, demanding less
One day, I'll finally slip out this
loosening body bag
Simply sling it over the shoulder
of my sturdy spirit.
—Yahia Lababidi
in A KALEIDOSCOPE OF STORIES
Muslim Voices in Contemporary Poetry
Coming soon from Lote Tree Press