The Garret: Writing & Publishing Ep 266: Sara Saleh on writing poetry and creating 'The Gaza Suite'
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Feb 25, 2024 Sara Saleh, a poet, writer, and human rights lawyer of Palestinian, Lebanese, and Egyptian heritage, discusses her compelling poetry collection 'The Flirtation of Girls/Ghazal el-Banat.' She delves into the significance of the title and the cohesive nature of her poems. Sara reveals how Arabic poetic traditions shape her work and emphasizes poetry's unique intimacy. She reads powerful pieces from 'The Gaza Suite,' reflecting on contemporary struggles. Additionally, she advocates for stronger support for marginalized writers and the importance of amplifying diverse voices.
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Layered Title Signals Playful Subversion
- Sara Saleh chose Ghazal el-Banat for its double meaning: flirtation of girls and cotton candy, layering playfulness with deeper subversion.
- The title also signals the Arabic ghazal form, linking tradition to the collection's themes.
Collection As Network Not Timeline
- Saleh arranges poems as a network rather than a linear timeline to reflect multiple women's lives and voices.
- She intentionally disrupts chronology so the collection reads as interconnected threads, not a straight story.
Opening Poem As Framing Device
- Saleh opens with Self Cartography to frame the collection and assert her position as daughter and keeper of women’s lineage.
- The prelude functions as a container that sets tone and honors complex female histories.
