Obra Maestra - Today's Brilliant Contemporary and Modern Artist for Literature: Dr Aziz Mountassir

I am thrilled to feature on my weblog and introduce to you my dear weblog readers, my dear friend and colleague, Dr. Aziz Mountassir. Born in the vibrant city of Casablanca, Morocco, Dr. Mountassir has made a remarkable impact on the world of literature and art. His work as a modern and contemporary artist is a testament to his boundless creativity and dedication to promoting peace and humanity.

It is an honor to call Dr. Aziz Mountassir a friend and colleague. His unwavering commitment to the arts and his vision for a more harmonious world are a constant source of inspiration. I am delighted to share his story with you and celebrate his incredible contributions to literature and humanity.

Dr. Aziz Mountassir, born in Casablanca, Morocco, is a distinguished figure known for his unwavering commitment to peace and humanity. As an international poet, he has touched hearts across the globe with his profound and evocative poetry. Dr. Mountassir serves as the President of the International Forum of Creativity and Humanity, as well as the President of the Organization of Art, Creativity, and Goodwill (OACG) in Morocco. His leadership extends to CIESART, an organization with branches in Morocco, Peru, Spain, and Switzerland.

Dr. Mountassir's dedication to fostering peace is evident through his role as the Ambassador of the International Peace Corps in Morocco and his involvement with various peace initiatives, including the Ambassador of Peace WIP in Nigeria. He is also the Director of the America in Magazine in Morocco and the Director of the Network Arabic in Morocco. His contributions to journalism are recognized through his work with Akhabar7, a certified Moroccan newspaper.

As a passionate advocate for territorial unity, Dr. Mountassir presides over the Association of Free Moroccans Defending Territorial Unity. His diplomatic efforts are further highlighted by his roles as Ambassador for numerous international organizations, including the Condor Mendoza in Morocco, SAPS Poland in Morocco, CUAP Switzerland-France in Morocco, and Acilbras Brazil in Morocco.

Dr. Mountassir has authored ten books, with his poetry translated into more than 16 languages. He has participated in over 16 international poetry collections and has attended numerous peace seminars worldwide, from Mexico to India, and from Egypt to Canada. His poems have even been set to music by international artists.

Dr. Aziz Mountassir's life and work are a testament to his dedication to peace, creativity, and humanity. His contributions to literature and his efforts to promote peace and unity continue to inspire and resonate with people around the world.

Here is one of the many obra maestras of Dr Aziz Mountassir. It is a poem entitled "Let Us Live in Peace"

"Let Us Live in Peace"

The world is aflame, its heart in despair,

Ashes of dreams linger in the air.

Crying echoes, a haunting refrain,

"Let us live in peace; end the pain."

Our children fall before they can rise,

Lost to the fire, silenced cries.

Mothers weep as the darkness spreads,

Fathers mourn their hopes now dead.

Our elders tremble, their voices weak,

Their tears carve rivers down their cheeks.

They beg for mercy, they plead for light,

In a world consumed by endless night.

Lies of peace, a cruel charade,

Promises broken, hopes betrayed.

Enough of the wars, the blood-soaked ground,

Enough of the weapons, the battle sound.

Can’t you see the toll it takes?

The lives it steals, the hearts it breaks?

The innocent pay for the greed of the few,

While hate consumes what love once knew.

Oh, rulers of nations, hear our plea,

End the slaughter; let us be free.

Why must our dreams be turned to dust?

Why must our faith corrode to rust?

The earth is weary, her wounds run deep,

Her rivers cry, her mountains weep.

Her forests burn, her oceans wail,

Her creatures perish; we all fail.

Let us unite, not tear apart,

Let love and kindness fill each heart.

No more destruction, no more lies,

No more silence to desperate cries.

Build not bombs, but bridges instead,

Feed the hungry, house the unsheltered head.

Teach the world that peace can reign,

That love is stronger than hatred’s chain.

The world is ours; we must repair,

Heal its wounds with tender care.

Let our children grow, let laughter ring,

Let hope take flight on healing wings.

So here we stand, a final demand:

Let us live in peace, hand in hand.

The world is burning; we’ve had enough—

It’s time to choose love over the rough.

"Let Us Live in Peace" is a profound plea for the cessation of violence and the embrace of peace. The poem paints a vivid picture of a world ravaged by war and conflict, where dreams have turned to ashes and the cries of the suffering echo through the air. The poet draws us into the pain felt by various groups within society – children, mothers, fathers, and elders – highlighting the universal toll of violence.

The imagery of children falling before they can rise and mothers weeping as darkness spreads evokes a deep sense of loss and hopelessness. Fathers mourning their dead hopes and elders trembling with weak voices further emphasize the impact of war on the entire community. These lines remind us of the innocent lives caught in the crossfire of greed and power struggles.

The poet's call to the rulers of nations to end the slaughter is a powerful indictment of those who perpetuate war for their own gain. The plea for dreams not to be turned to dust and for faith not to corrode to rust speaks to the erosion of hope and trust in a world plagued by conflict.

Nature itself is portrayed as a victim of human folly, with weary earth, crying rivers, weeping mountains, and perishing creatures. This personification of the environment underscores the interconnectedness of all life and the far-reaching consequences of violence.

The poem shifts from despair to a call for unity, love, and kindness. It urges the building of bridges instead of bombs, feeding the hungry, and housing the unsheltered. The message is clear: peace can only reign when we prioritize compassion and care for one another.

Ultimately, "Let Us Live in Peace" is a heart-wrenching yet hopeful appeal for humanity to heal the world with tender care, allowing future generations to grow and thrive. The poet's final demand for peace, hand in hand, serves as a powerful reminder that love is stronger than hate, and it is time for us to choose harmony over conflict.