My City’s Dwelling is Illegal Leaflets, Not Books
The author reflects on their unorthodox journey to becoming a poet, emphasizing their lack of formal literary education and the profound impact of their challenging environment.
The author shares their unconventional path to poetry, answering the often-posed question about their inspiration for writing. They feel a wavering connection with literature due to their lack of formal education in the field and a supportive circle, finding solace in their experiences yet unable to articulate a clear reason for writing. Their poetic identity seems juxtaposed against a lifetime of adaptation in a world marked by harsh realities.
Navigating a life steeped in struggle, the author expresses feelings of disconnection between personal existence and the overwhelming nature of their environment. The solitude experienced within oppressive contexts reflects a quest for survival, often devoid of deeper meaning. They reminisce about the disappearance of places once integral to their life, raising questions about what it truly means to be alive amidst destruction and loss.
Amid these tribulations, a small bookstore, a solitary window to the outside world, serves as a refuge, where the author rekindles memories of beloved childhood reads and nurtures their creative instincts. Despite not having consciously aimed for recognition or formal training, the author recognizes that the writings produced during times of freedom bear resemblance to poetry, igniting a desire to further explore this artistic medium.