Musa Jalil: poetry of courage

The poem “Ishonma” (Don’t believe) was written on 20 November 1943. In it the poet turns to his beloved, asking her not to believe rumours that he has died or betrayed. The work expresses loyalty, and love for the homeland and the beloved; despite his hard situation the poet stays honest and steadfast. In the poem “Qushcha” the image of a little bird on barbed wire reflects the dream of freedom. The “Moabit notebook” is the cycle of poems Musa Jalil wrote in captivity. They express the pain of prison, thirst for freedom, loyalty to the homeland and hatred of the enemy. These poems are a symbol of the poet’s courage and unbreakable will.