My Experience at The Poetic Heart Symposium
I recently had the honor of being chosen to read my poetry at the fourth addition of the Poetic Heart Symposium. The event was first held in 2012 and since then has grown as a gathering of distinguished poets and students from various cultures coming together to share poetry in multiple languages. I had the opportunity to attend and read out my piece that had been selected from amongst multiple student entries across the United Arab Emirates. What made this experience so special for me was that the poem I had written was crafted to celebrate the great friendship that I have had the good fortune of sharing with my best friend of eight years. It is to date one of the most genuine pieces I have constructed. What made this experience truly remarkable and something that I will remember for years to come is the great variety of distinguished poets and fellow students who I got to watch reciting their work on stage. Amongst the 22 poets who graced the event, Dr Daisaku Ikeda was one who’s work I really enjoyed and appreciated. He is not only a prolific writer who has published over 100 pieces, but also a passionate humanitarian. I found myself extremely moved by his story and how his life and outlook were affected by World War II. It was inspiring to see how he had channeled his experiences into his writing. Listening to fellow students recite their work was equally as exciting. From poetry admiring the inherent beauty of nature to diversity in friendships, I got to listen to a variety of inspiring themes. It was great meeting and talking to fellow students backstage who ranged from ages 10 to 18. It was great talking to them and learning about why and how they began to take interest in poetry and writing. In between listening to poetry recitals, we were also treated to multiple musical performances ranging from choirs to jazz music. Below on the following page is the poem that I recited at the symposium. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I did writing and reciting it.
Friendship
If I could start,
All over again,
I wouldn't.
I’d keep it right here. I don’t want to revisit the past,
I just want to be here. I don’t want to relive the fights and quarrels and days of cold stares,
I just want to be here.
No, actually, I don’t just want to be here,
I want us to be here,
Together.
Why?
Because here is better,
Now is better.
However cliché this may sound,
I have to say,
That I can trust you, and you can trust me,
I learnt to love you, and you learnt to love me.
We forgive each other’s faults,
Just as I accept your volatile temper,
And you forgive my terrible humour.
That’s not to say that we never bicker,
Or fight, or quarrel,
Or pick on each other.
Indeed we do, But we don’t let that get in our way.
Why? Because that’s just me, that’s just you,,
And this,
Is just,
Us,
In a friendship that’s one amongst billions of others.