Bloom
Dear freedom bandits who seek to confuse
Regardless of your shade, we shall bloom in beauty
We are of the destined who revel in the freedom of the wind
We are shaped by waves beyond your control
Understand that we are shooting stars born in the bellies of miniature earths
And we refuse to carry darkness on our journeys and therefore pack light
There is too much grace within us not to rise each morning
There is too much love within us to be dampened by your storms
Our body is of the earth but our spirits are of the heavens
Rest assured that your temporary control shall ease
But our gratitude shall carry until the final light
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Internationally recognized award-winning poet, Ahmed Knowmadic Ali, is a full-time writer, actor, public speaker and youth worker who inspires with his dynamic, thought-provoking and humorous poetry. He is the seventh and current Poet Laureate of Edmonton. Ahmed is the co-founder and current artistic director of Edmonton’s only spoken word collective: Breath In Poetry.
Ahmed is a registered vendor with the Edmonton Public School board and provides students with interactive lessons on the importance of resilience, empathy, community engagement and equity. In addition to the school board, Ahmed presents on diversity and inclusion for the Alberta Teachers’ Association’s International Educational Exchange program. Ahmed is a dedicated youth worker and community builder who sit on boards like the Law Enforcement Review Board of Alberta, The Discipline Board of Alberta, The Somali Canadian Women and Children Association and regularly works with youth in correctional facilities.
Image credit:
Amy Malbeuf
kayâs-ago: D. Cardinal (We may be oppressed but at least we aren’t depressed), 2013-2014
Sculptured and tufted caribou hair on light panel.
Art Gallery of Alberta Collection, purchased with funds from the Canada Council for the Arts New Chapter grant program.