Poetry and Nostalgia Meet in London: A Celebrated Launch of “Grief for Sale”
On an unforgettable evening in the heart of London, poetry met memory, and longing found its voice in verse. The launch of “Grief for Sale”, the latest collection by renowned Iraqi poet Khaled Al-Amri Al-Khudhari, brought together lovers of language and homeland in a powerful cultural gathering.
Organized by Al-Arab in UK platform (AUK) in partnership with the Popular Poetry Forum, the event took place on Saturday, July 5, 2025, at the P21 Gallery, drawing a diverse audience of poets, intellectuals, and members of the Arab community.
The evening opened with welcoming remarks from Salah Abdullah, Vice President of AUK, who warmly greeted the attendees and introduced the evening’s guests. He emphasized the significance of cultural events in preserving Arab identity and enriching the collective literary memory of the diaspora.
Hani Al-Jourani, poet and President of the Popular Poetry Forum, followed with a speech expressing pride in the forum’s collaboration with AUK. He highlighted the Forum’s mission to celebrate poets whose work reflects the struggles and aspirations of people and homeland. He described “Grief for Sale” as more than a collection of poems—it is, he said, “an emotional document of an entire generation.”
The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Abdul Hamid Al-Sayeh, head of the Iraqi Cultural Centre in London, who expressed his deep appreciation to both AUK and the Popular Poetry Forum for their efforts in making the event possible. He spoke with admiration about Khaled Al-Amri Al-Khudhari, whom he described as “the poet of aching nostalgia,” reflecting on their decades-long friendship and shared journey through poetry and cultural advocacy.
Then came the highlight of the evening. Khaled Al-Amri Al-Khudhari took the stage to an eager and warmly receptive audience. He spoke about the inspirations behind “Grief for Sale”, offering glimpses into the personal and national emotions that shaped the collection. He then recited a selection of poems that moved the room to silence—and at times, to tears.
These were not mere verses; they were deeply felt expressions of identity, memory, and exile. The power of his words sparked a profound emotional response, with the audience breaking into applause, sighs, and spontaneous engagement throughout the reading.
The evening also included moments of recognition and appreciation. Khaled Al-Amri Al-Khudhari was presented with a commemorative shield and a certificate of appreciation by AUK and the Popular Poetry Forum. Dr. Al-Sayeh was also honored, along with Iraqi businessman Mr. Rabiea, who generously sponsored the publication of the collection. Several other individuals who have supported Arab cultural and literary life in Britain were also acknowledged for their contributions.
The event concluded on a note of warmth and connection, as audience members gathered to meet the poet and collect signed copies of “Grief for Sale”. In those moments, photographs were taken, memories were shared, and words became embraces. The evening was widely praised by attendees, who expressed their gratitude for a night that celebrated not only poetry, but the enduring spirit of culture, identity, and belonging.
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