A Taste of Baghdad
by Yalda Al-Ani
William and Mary University
Yalda Al-Ani is originally from Baghdad, Iraq and is now completing her Bachelors degree in English Literature at William and Mary with a planned 2023 graduation. Most of Yalda's poetry is inspired by her trauma from surviving a war and family abuse. In addition to writing poetry and painting, she enjoys belly dancing, the classical music of Umm Kulthum, and exploring America.
Interview with the Poet
1. What was your inspiration for this piece?
I wrote this piece to communicate an honest image of what a war can do to a country. What's happening in Ukraine is heartbreaking, and having survived a war myself, I know what the people are going through there. My heart aches for them. This poem reflects my deep sorrow for every country and people who have been victims of any kind of violence and my wish that the world was a better place.
2. What is your creative process? (How do you go about writing or creating?)
I mostly write when I have an emotional crisis, and that's often. Although suffering from depression has made my life extremely difficult, I admit that it has inspired me to write my best pieces.
3. What are some influences on your artistic process?
In addition to my emotional struggle, I believe my multicultural experiences have inspired many of my pieces. They have widened my perspective in understanding the world around me.
4. Is there anything more you’d like our readers/viewers to know about you or your work?
It is important for me to say that without the people who love and support me, I wouldn't have been able to achieve anything. I want to thank those honest people who have been authentic, loving, and caring and say I owe you a lot.