Stretch your hands toward the horizon,
Like the surge of waves rising against the shore.
Do not fear the darkness,
For stars are born from the womb of night.
Tell the wind to carry your song
And scatter it over the balconies,
For when a branch is broken,
It grows from pain flowers that never die.
I am the child of open skies,
I do not belong to fences
Or closed doors.
Freedom is rooted in the soul,
Not in locked squares.
I will walk on water if the earth narrows,
And I will carry in my wound
A flower of dreams.
If you are imprisoned today,
Tomorrow is your meeting with the light.
Give hope its wings,
And walk beneath the rain.
Freedom is not granted—
It is seized from the jaws of time!
TAGHRID BOU MERHI is a distinguished Lebanese-Brazilian Poet, Author, Essayist, Editor, Translator, and Media Professional known for her profound literary contributions across multiple languages. She currently resides in Brazil, where she has built a remarkable career in poetry, translation, and cultural journalism.
With a Master’s degree in Law, Bou Merhi has established herself as a versatile intellectual figure, seamlessly bridging the worlds of literature and academia. She is fluent in five languages in addition to her native Arabic, which has enabled her to translate and publish an impressive body of work. Her translations include 43 books and over 2000 poems, and her writings have been translated into 47 languages.
Bou Merhi has authored 23 books, both in print and digital formats, covering a range of genres, including poetry, short stories, haikus, critical studies, articles, and children’s literature. Her literary influence extends beyond writing, as she serves as the editor of the translation department for 12 Arabic magazines and a Spanish magazine Azahar Poetic and Reverence Cultural poetry. Additionally, she has written introductions for 40 books and contributed to more than 220 National and international books and anthologies.
Her exceptional contributions to world literature have earned her numerous international accolades. She was named among the top 50 women shaping modern literature in Asia and one of the top 20 media professionals in the region from Legacy Crown. Chinese television CCCV ranked her among the top 10 poets globally for her mastery of language and poetry.
Currently, Bou Merhi serves as the head of the Lebanon branch of the International Chamber of Books and Artists and holds key cultural relations roles in five international and regional organizations. She has also been an international judge for the Walt Whitman competition for three consecutive years.
Taghrid Bou Merhi has received numerous international awards, honors, and certificates for her literary and translation work.
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