#12: What is Poetry? A Conversation with Prof. Riaz Gohar.

What is poetry—mere beauty, or a vessel for uncomfortable truths?In this episode, Ali Zaka sits down with his mentor and renowned poet, the author of Brave Souls—a powerful poetry collection dedicated to the Palestinians. Together, they explore poetry not just as an art form, but as a moral, emotional, and philosophical act.This conversation moves through timeless questions:Is poetry a safe space for difficult truths?Does a poet have a responsibility to society?Should poets be teachers—or simply witnesses?Can beauty coexist with resistance?And where does poetry stand in a world desensitized by violence and noise?Drawing on literary theory, lived experience, and contemporary realities, this podcast revisits the age-old debate of Art for Art’s Sake vs Art for Life’s Sake, while reflecting on the courage it takes to write when silence is easier.A must-listen for poets, writers, students of literature, and anyone who believes words still matter.You can also watch this episode on our YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/tAp5ZBxb8UY?si=Bbrm-azVesSsXncUSubscribe to our YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/@prometheans789?si=zJX3HqyhSoDdxCXf