The Power of Poetry in Dark Times

Faraj Bayraktar, a former political prisoner, describes how poetry became his refuge during years of brutal imprisonment in Syria. He composed poems in his mind while enduring torture and solitary confinement, utilizing his imagination as a means of escape. His work acted not only as a form of personal expression but also as a historical record of his experiences. Despite the horrific conditions, his creative mind remained unfettered, suggesting that while his body was imprisoned, his spirit soared through the verses he crafted internally.