Ahmad Al-Khatat was born in Baghdad, Iraq. His work has appeared in print and online journals globally. He has poems translated into several languages such as Farsi, Chinses, Spanish, Albanian, Romanian. He has published some poetry chapbooks, and a collection of short stories. He has been nominated for Best of the Net 2019 and was also nominated for the Pushcart Price 2020.

Asking The River

Why are you feeling sad my friend? 
Why are your tears like black Onyx? 
I know for sure that your heart is a 
rainforest-like green jade.

I advised you before, 
life is a colourful & grey portrait.
Each instant, you are either. 
Loveable & unlovable!

My friend doesn't fall into the darkness. 
Let me write you beautiful thoughts! 
because you are my beautiful icon!
Hand on hand dissolves my worries.

You notified me after,
Daylight end with us in chains with sorrow 
Curious if we ever chase happiness without
drinking, asking the river if he wants a cigarette. 

Her Laugh

When I notice her laugh 
I forget the colour of the clouds. 
I remember that you are the first-
-flower blooming between my arms.

When I notice her laugh
I sense that you're so close to me. 
Yet so far by the leaves of parting
Open your eyes, I'm here to love you.
 
When I notice her laugh
My skin is no longer cracked and peeling.
Just hold my bony hands and fly with me.
to the silvery moon far from our coffin planet.

When I notice her laugh
Depression will evolve quite within us.
Life teaches us to be silent and behave well.
I fail many times, but I have won your heart.