By Naguib Mahfouz I couldn't attend the "Writer and the Future" gathering held by the Egyptian Writers Union. I would've loved to be there, to be part of the debate and to mingle a little with old friends and acquaintances and perhaps meet new ones. I would've liked to meet Hanna Mina, for example, and Samih Al-Qasim, two writers who I know more through their work than through personal contact. I read and re-read much of Hanna Mina's work. His style is so distinctive you can tell it's him from any page taken at random from his books. Samih Al-Qasim wrote most of his brilliant poetry in his native Palestine, where he lived all his life. He is one of those who refused to leave their land even after the State of Israel was founded. Unfortunately, it was a decision that hurt them twice, once at the hands of Israel and again at our own hands. Al-Qasim's poetry is youthful and daring, and it has this sad note that touches a chord in Arab hearts. I would've loved to meet the heads of Writers Unions in other Arab countries and know more about the conditions of Arab writers in the Arab world. I couldn't go because of health reasons, but I read everything that was published about the gathering. Based on an interview by Mohamed Salmawy.
