This is poet Emtithal Mahmoud’s third time being featured on this blog. This time Mahmoud comes to us via TED Talks, with two poignant, probing, beautiful works, weaving a vivid verse of her journey through the genocide of Darfur, a region of Sudan, where starting in 2003, in response to attacking rebel groups, the Sudanese government carried out a campaign of ethnic cleansing against Darfur’s non-Arab population. Mahmoud’s stirring prose escorts us to the edge of war, and has us gaze over a deafening picture. She then leads us gently, away from the fires, in a second piece, that highlights her resilience and bravery, and opens the door to a pathway of joy, family, and overall, love.

A stark reminder of how important it is for countries to open their gates to refugees and people fleeing conflict. I hope we will continue to see work and hear Emtithal Mahmoud’s words for years to come.

Inspired? Watch Emi Mahmoud’s other two performances that have been featured on this blog here and here.