Lutfiya al-Dulaimi

It’s hard to believe she’s really gone. Lutfiya al-Dulaimi, my Lutfiya, slipped away on March 10th, 2026, at the age of 87. I still find myself reaching for the phone to tell her about something silly, or to ask for her advice – a habit she’d cultivated over decades. She wasn’t a woman of grand gestures, but of quiet, unwavering strength and a heart overflowing with empathy. I remember when I was a teenager, utterly convinced I was too cool for poetry, she’d sneak copies of her latest collection into my locker, with a little note tucked inside saying, “Just in case you change your mind.” And, of course, I did. She had this incredible way of seeing the beauty and the pain in everything, and she wasn’t afraid to write about it, to give voice to the stories that needed to be told. Lutfiya’s life was a testament to her fierce spirit and her dedication to her craft. As a writer, she poured her soul onto the page, documenting the realities of Iraqi women – their resilience, their struggles, and their dreams – with a clarity and grace that resonated deeply. She tackled some incredibly difficult subjects – the Iran-Iraq War, the Gulf War, the suffocating impact of sanctions – but always with a profound respect for the human spirit. Beyond her writing, she was a devoted wife to my father, a loving mother to so many, and a cherished aunt and grandmother. She’d spend hours teaching me Arabic, patiently correcting my pronunciation, and telling me stories of our family’s history. Her kitchen was always filled with the aroma of cardamom and rosewater, and her home was a haven of warmth and laughter. She wasn’t just a writer; she was a force for good. She championed women’s rights with quiet determination, using her platform to advocate for equality and justice. I’ve heard countless stories from people whose lives she touched – young women inspired by her words, activists emboldened by her courage, and simply those who felt seen and understood because of her. She had this remarkable ability to make you feel like the most important person in the room, and she genuinely cared about everyone she met. Lutfiya leaves behind a legacy of words, of courage, and of love. She may be gone, but her stories will continue to be told, her spirit will continue to inspire, and the warmth of her memory will forever remain in our hearts. We will miss you terribly, my dear.