Yahia Lababidi Libri

Lababidi’s new volume brings a dynamic flow to his subject that is both timeless and very contemporary; his insights summon us to a spiritual but entirely undogmatic journey.—Abdal Hakim Murad, author of Travelling Home and Dean of Cambridge Muslim College*Learning to Pray is a masterpiece. Yahia Lababidi is a lyrical genius touched by the genies. I wonder how he is able, time after time, to work such miracles—authentic and truly beautiful.—Peter Zsoldos, Ambassador of the Slovak Republic and poetry translator*Despite its insistence that the mystic “swoons, / defenseless / in the face of beauty,” the real mysticism of Lababidi’s book of longing is not private but the speaker swoons, and leaves the reader defenseless in the face of beauty.—H. L. Hix, American poet, academic and editor*In lean, luminescent verse, Lababidi has created a portal into quiet worlds, guiding us to be our best selves. He reminds us of the richness of the stilled and savored. In difficult times, his poems help the reader to summon courage and beauty.—Carla Power, author of Prodigal Son and former Newsweek correspondent*Lababidi believes that there is a common denominator between the philosopher and the poet, both of whom struggle to build a bridge between two worlds, the world of the visible and the world of the invisible, and here writing becomes a form of prayer.—Osama Esber, Syrian poet, publisher and translator

Exploring the transformative power of art, this collection weaves together essays, poems, aphorisms, and fiction to reflect on personal and societal change. It addresses pressing themes such as Islamophobia, the Egyptian Revolution, and the influence of American popular culture. The author's journey parallels the world's upheavals, offering a multifaceted perspective on contemporary issues. Through these meditations, the work advocates for social activism and highlights the intersection of mysticism and literature in navigating today's complexities.

It is not words, song, or art that are tremendous, but the human soul, and what is set in motion when it is stirred to the depths. Where Epics Fail is a collection of over 800 aphorisms from acclaimed writer, essayist and poet Yahia Lababidi. Offering wit and wisdom, inspiration and spirituality, these meditations appeal to our shared humanity and attempt, with art, to guide us through the landscape of everyday life.

The author, Yahia Lababidi, draws on his personal connection to Palestine through his grandmother's forced exile, highlighting the deep emotional and political complexities surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He emphasizes that criticism of Israel's actions is not antisemitism, advocating for a clear distinction between Judaism and Zionism. Through poetry and prose, Lababidi calls for awareness of the humanitarian crisis faced by Palestinians, urging readers to reject complicity in injustice and recognize the shared humanity that transcends political divides.

The collection showcases over two decades of Yahia Lababidi's poetry, characterized by its plain-spoken yet striking style. Influenced by a diverse range of literary figures, including Hafiz, Kierkegaard, Dickinson, and Kafka, the poems vary in form from epigrams to more expansive pieces. This work is part of the Press 53 Silver Concho Poetry Series, highlighting Lababidi's eclectic voice and the depth of his artistic expression.

The contemplative tone of Yahia Lababidi's work resonates with the wisdom of Rumi, emphasizing peace and the value of ancient traditions amidst modern cynicism. Lababidi highlights the virtues of silence, using aphorisms to momentarily disrupt it, suggesting that in a noisy world, such reflections are essential. His writing invites readers to find depth and meaning in a fast-paced society, celebrating the profound insights that emerge from stillness and contemplation.

Quiet poets often leave a lasting impact, as seen through the comparison of celebrated figures like Ginsberg with the more understated William Bronk. In "Barely There," Yahia Lababidi explores themes of acceptance and the paradox of embracing while letting go, echoing the poignant simplicity of Bronk's work. The book captures the essence of subtlety in poetry, emphasizing how profound emotions can resonate through minimalistic expressions.