Exit Wounds poems by Tāriq Malik

Tāriq Malik was born in Pakistani Punjab, he came reluctantly late to the shores of British Columbia. He’s now a Vancouver-based author who has worked across poetry, fiction, visual arts and compelling narratives.

Exit Wounds is a collection of raw and real poems that reads like a biography as he shares his real-life experiences. To get here first he had to survive three wars, two migrations, and two decades of slaving in the Kuwaiti desert.

My first read of this collection I have to admit was difficult. Not because the poems weren’t well written but because I can’t relate to his struggles of slavery and migration. I was born and raised here in Canada on the east coast. My ancestors migrated decades ago.

A line in Malik’s first words section that really stands out:

“Stand up and speak these words aloud—poetry must not be read in the dark or silently.”

During my second read though I did stand up and read some of his poems aloud. Making me realize how lucky I am to live in a free and safe country. This was the point at which the collection of poems from Exit Wounds touched my heart and pulled at every single inch of my emotions.

Thank you Malik for sharing this collection and I’m glad you’re safe and free.

For the past four decades, Vancouver-based author Tāriq Malik has worked across poetry, fiction, and visual arts, to distill immersive and compelling narratives that are always original and intriguing. He writes intensely in response to the world in flux around him and of his place in its shadows.

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Caitlin Press (Sept. 16 2022)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Paperback ‏ : ‎ 104 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 177386100X
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1773861005

Shawna Butler

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Shawna is a mother and a retired athlete, coach and fitness professional. She currently works in the Beauty Industry with Drunk Elephant. In her spare time, she enjoy watching baseball, reading anything pertaining to sports, fashion, poetry and biographies. She likes to travel to anywhere warm and sunny. Shawna has a BBA from Mount Saint Vincent University and currently lives in Paradise, Newfoundland. New Instagram account @shawna.j.butler