Saeed Khalaf Al-Rawahi… A Young Poet’s Journey Between Academia and Literature
Written by: Sundos Said Al-Mamari
Between academic research and the world of poetry, Saeed continues to write his own story—one that bridges scholarship with creativity. Currently in his third year of the MA program at the University of Nizwa, he is preparing to complete his thesis. Before that, he graduated from Sultan Qaboos University with a BA in English Language and Literature, followed by a Higher Diploma in English Education—credentials that laid a strong foundation for his intellectual and literary journey.
Saeed first discovered his poetic voice in 2019 when one of his literature professors, Dr. Muneera, assigned him to write a poem for Oman’s National Day. What began as an academic task soon revealed itself as a powerful way to express his inner world—a turning point that drew him closer to the art of poetry. Since then, poetry has become not just a hobby, but a sanctuary. Amid the pressures of study, creative expression helps him ease stress, find balance, and reflect on his experiences.
Social media platforms such as Instagram and WhatsApp have also played a meaningful role in his journey. They provide him with spaces to share his poems, exchange feedback, and stay connected with other writers. Although a part-time student with limited access to campus activities, Saeed has found poetry workshops and initiatives like Ishraqah magazine valuable in encouraging him to grow as a writer and showcase his talent.
Like many poets, he faces the challenge of finding the right words to capture a poem’s emotion and meaning. He meets this challenge by reading widely across poets and styles, broadening his awareness of language and enriching his voice. Among the works that inspire him most are John Clare’s “I Am” and Emily Dickinson’s “Hope,” both of which he finds deeply moving and reflective.
Looking ahead, Saeed aspires to publish his own poetry collection. For him, this milestone would not be an end, but rather a new beginning—one that carries his voice beyond the classroom and into the wider world of literature.
