A Time Between Ashes And Roses

Adonis's Poetry and Prose writings have aroused much controversy in the Arab world, both for their provocative content and their arresting style. Grounded in traditional poetic styles, Adonis developed a new way of expressing modern sentiments. Although influenced by classical poets, Adonis started at a relatively early age to experiment with the prose poem, giving it density, tension, metaphors, and rhythm. He also broke with the diction and style of traditional poems, introducing a new and powerful syntax and new imagery. Through his innovative use of language, imagery, and narrative technique, Adonis has played a leading role in the revolutionizing of Arabic literature. He has garnered many of the world's major poetry prizes.

Adonis (Ali Ahmad Said) has written poetry, criticism, translations, and anthologies for fifty years Shawkat M. Toorawa is professor in the Department of Near Eastern Studies at Cornell University