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Meriem Kouis, a distinguished Moroccan poet, proudly embraces her Saharan heritage from the city of Guelmim. Speaking to Yabiladi, she eloquently expressed her deep connection to her roots, stating, «I am proud of my Saharan origins for the historical, cultural, and spiritual depth they embody. The desert is not merely a geographical expanse but an enduring memory, a unique rhythm that breathes life into language, granting it clarity and vastness.»
Although her formative years and education unfolded in various Moroccan cities far from the southern sands, this journey allowed her to cultivate a dual experience, blending the spirit of the desert with the vibrancy of urban life.
«I have lived between the sands that teach patience and expansiveness, and the cities that foster movement and diversity. This intersection has become a wellspring of richness for my personal and creative identity.»
Meriem Kouis possesses a remarkable academic background, combining a Master's degree in Arabic literature with a diploma in computer programming from France, and studies in public law. This eclectic mix has shaped her belief that «creativity and science are not in conflict; rather, they complement each other in crafting an open and balanced mind.»
In 2004, Meriem moved to the UAE, a transition she views not as 'migration' in the traditional sense. «When I relocated from Morocco to the United Arab Emirates, it felt less like leaving a homeland and more like moving from one home to another,» she reflects.
Over time, «the imaginary line between 'there' and 'here' faded. Distance is no longer defined by geography but by the familiarity one cultivates in their heart,» she explains. «Thus, my writing focuses less on estrangement and more on continuity, celebrating the human capacity to create a sense of home wherever they find safety and appreciation, carrying their roots into new horizons without forsaking them.»
When Poetry Chose Her
Meriem's relationship with poetry was neither accidental nor a passing hobby. From a young age, she realized that words «are not static letters, but living entities skilled in listening.» Her early writings in school notebooks blossomed into a profound project of awareness and formation through extensive reading and diverse experiences. Today, she confidently asserts: «Poetry was not a fleeting interest, but an aesthetic destiny I embraced... and it embraced me.»
Meriem's creative works tackle numerous themes, chiefly «identity as an open question,» exploring «the woman as a human entity where strength and fragility, silence and rebellion, breaking and rising coexist.»
Her writings also delve into love, existential musings, and the small details that weave the larger tapestry of life.
Beyond Arabic poetry, Meriem Kouis is also adept at Nabati poetry, a form rooted in the dialects of the Arabian Peninsula.
Her literary and cultural contributions have earned her numerous accolades. She was honored at the 14th Sharjah Quranic Festival for Children and the 14th Sharjah Arabic Poetry Festival in 2023. Additionally, she received recognition during the "Our Heritage" initiative in the UAE's "Most Beautiful Winter in the World" campaign in 2022.
In acknowledgment of her literary achievements, she was named "Ambassador of Arabic Literature" by the Al Bassam Forum for Culture and Arts and awarded the Medal of Excellence from the Al Huda Diamond Academy for Poetry and Literature.
«I carry the spirit of Morocco in my language, imagery, and memory, and find in my UAE residency a vast space for dialogue and convergence, where experiences intersect and visions complement each other.»
The First Collection: Nabati Confessions
Meriem is currently crafting a poetry collection that marks a significant milestone in her journey. She describes it as a work of «more condensed language and a bolder vision, a text that balances personal confession with a universal human horizon.»
«My first collection is a Nabati poetic work that mirrors my personal experiences and worldview through a series of poems that oscillate between emotional depth and human reflection. In this collection, I strive to present a style that marries simplicity with depth, making it accessible to readers and resonating with their feelings and concerns.»
The collection explores themes of love, loss, and nostalgia, alongside texts that reflect real-life situations and experiences that have shaped or influenced Meriem. She aims to harmonize the classical elements of Nabati poetry with a modern approach in both presentation and style.
Meriem aspires for her poetry to transcend borders, leaving «a sincere impact on the reader's heart: an enduring whisper that never fades.» Aside from her literary pursuits, she manages a car showroom in the Emirate of Ajman.
