Bread Alone

Preface

xi Preface I wrote the poems “Confession,” “For Lorca,” “Grounded,” “Angel Flesh,” “The Mask Has Fallen,” and “The Feast of Sacrifice ” in January 2007, soon after Saddam Hussein was hanged on Eid al-Adha. I thought of these grim, brief poems—and the others that soon followed—as “unholy parables”—fictive illustrations of the violent underbelly of American life, especially during the Bush regime—an era of lies, torture, and aggression. As I put this book together, I decided to include other pieces that didn’t fall into the category of unholy parables. For this reason, I have changed the title to Bread Alone, which more accurately characterizes the spirit and tone of the collection . These poems are about love, violence, injustice, sorrow, loneliness, motherhood, and the struggle to survive. Most of all, they are reflections of the personal and collective despair engendered by a prevailing doctrine of endless war.  In editing and refining this collection, several people were very helpful. I’d like to acknowledge the input, advice, and xii support from my husband, Zahi Khamis, and the following friends and colleagues: Julie Lewis, Susan Muaddi Darraj, Carr Kizzier, Marian Haddad, Fady Joudah, Fanny Howe, Etel Adnan, Naomi Shihab Nye, and Lisa Suhair Majaj. Many thanks to Rania Matar for allowing us to use her stunning photograph “Fan” on the front cover. I also send out a tribute to the late great Sandy Taylor—poet, activist, founder and codirector of Curbstone Press—a true friend to all writers, particularly those who combine literary pursuits with the goal of social transformation. Last, I’d like to express my gratitude to the wonderful people at Syracuse University Press, most especially Mary Selden Evans, who has been a warm supporter of my work. Thank you. Bread Alone ...