"We’re here, we exist": Sidon’s poets break new ground
Musicians and poets are challenging social norms in Sidon, Lebanon’s conservative third-largest city.
SIDON, Lebanon — In a brightly lit meeting room at Ishbilia Theater and Art-Hub in Sidon a young woman fought back tears as she read a deeply personal poem about death, depression and remembrance.
“I knew this day would come, but I did not expect it to be so soon,” she recited. “I can still hear your guitar strumming as I lock myself up in my room.”
Taking a seat to steady herself, she continued along to the final stanzas of her poem: “You’ll get away from here too, you’ll get away eventually. Now I say goodbye to you soon, because I have to leave, essentially.”
The audience applauded, cheered and one person stood up to give the young poet a hug.
