Manifestations of Loss in the Poetry of Dr. Jasim Hussein Sultan Al-Khalidi

Abstract

Loss has become one of the essential elements in the poetry of Al-Khalidi, as it represents a widespread phenomenon in Arabic poetry—particularly in Iraqi poetry. It is both a poetic and psychological product shaped by various experiences, whether realized tangibly or merely felt internally. The poet translates this sense of loss through linguistic structures that reflect his intellectual and emotional tendencies. Naturally, loss comes in many forms, the most difficult of which is the loss of a person—especially a close relative, a beloved, or even the homeland and its abandonment. All of these experiences compel the poet to embody loss within his poetic journey. At times, this leads him to a phase of self-elegy, which represents the highest level of emotional expression of loss. Poetic imagination has played a significant role in shaping and embodying the image of loss through skillfully crafted expressive models. These expressive images reflect the poet’s