Alienation, patriotism, pride, and even tribalism are often expressed as loss, frustration, bitterness, and pessimism in the wake of wars, such as the latest Gulf war. This region has endured political unrest, and this upheaval is often explored through poetry. Our sense of identity is also influenced by nationalism, political circumstances, and the complexity of life in this volatile region. Even with evolving spirituality and the rise of liberalism, faith still remains an irrefutable aspect of who we are. The role of faith in the lives of Gulf poets cannot be separated from our work, as religion forms a major aspect of our identity and voice. The identity of Gulf poets is multilayered, and the result is a poetry that is complex, dynamic, and distinct. Gulf poets, like all poets, address universal themes such as love and loss, but they also encompass themes that are uniquely Arab, and uniquely Khaliji, or Gulf-related. The unique voices of the poets collected here in Blackbird and in the forthcoming anthology Gathering the Tide create a tapestry that stirs the heart and soul and offers insight into the rich culture and history of the region. Even for a Saudi Arabian poet originally from Mecca (now known as Makkah), the spiritual heartland of Muslims, discovering the work of Gulf poets is exhilarating. The poetry of this region offers a window into a world teeming with creativity. Poets continue to be held in high esteem, and events, both formal and informal, are often initiated with passages of poetry. Poets were the historians and oracles of their tribes-very much the voice of their people. The long oral history of the region from the pre-Islamic era accords poets a special place of honor in Arab culture. The work of Gulf poets is deeply rooted in the pre-Islamic oral tradition of sharing wisdom, thoughts, stories, joys, and trials.

The Unfurling by Nimah Ismail Nawwab