The Transformations of Prose Poetry in the Works of Amjad Nasser

Abstract

This research focuses on the experience of the Jordanian poet Amjad Nasser in writing poetry, its transformations, and its evolution from the form of the free-verse (Tafi’la) poem with which he began his poetic journey, to its eventual establishment in the form of prose poetry. This form itself witnessed various transformations and changes until reaching its final shape in his latest collections. Amjad Nasser started by writing free-verse poetry that closely resembled the spirit of prose poetry in terms of form and choice of light metrical rhythms close to prose. This included themes open to life and details, the approach to the simplicity of street language, attention to the everyday, the marginal, and the neglected, leading to conciseness and eliminating unnecessary words and meanings beyond the need of the poem. Therefore, his transition to prose poetry was easy and smooth, a well-considered choice based on knowledge of free-verse poetry and its capabilities, which he utilised in writing prose poetry. His establishment in the form of prose poetry involved continuous practice in development and change. He did not settle for writing in a single form but presented aesthetic, artistic, and thematic additions in each of his collections, placing him at the forefront of prose poetry poets on both Arab and global levels.