Michaela Meade
The widower of a poet is making his wife’s dream a reality, by seeing her work about the refugee experience published.
Waad Japrita’s wife Maryam Daryos completed a body of poetry work before her death, and had won first prize in a competition run by a Swedish aid organisation, which included having her book, Souls Covered with Ash, published.
Mr Japrita said it was his wife’s aspiration to move on from her experiences as a Christian in Iraq, where she feared persecution.
“My wife’s dream was to leave behind the problems in Iraq and come to an English-speaking country like Australia to continue with her passion for English and poetry and to give her son a better life,” he said.
“I am trying to live her dream for her.”
Now settled in Craigieburn, Mr Japrita said he wanted to provide opportunities for their son, Toma.
“Life is good here for us,” Mr Japrita said.
“We are grateful to Australia.
“We are safe and Toma has a bright future ahead of him.
“He can do anything he wants.”
In the preface to her book, Ms Daryos said that looking to the sky and remembering her faith gave her hope, and that she wanted to share her experience.
“My wish is that these poems will give you an insight into the suffering of Iraqi Christians,” she said.
“I hope they will help make the world aware of those who have no voice.
“And that, by sharing my sorrows and hope, I can be an example for the hopeless – don’t give up, keep loving, and when in doubt, look up to the sky!”
