Mahmoud Darwish was a Palestinian poet and author who is widely regarded as the Palestinian national poet. Born in al-Birwa, Palestine in 1941, Darwish was a prolific writer who wrote over 30 books of poetry and 8 books of prose. His works often focused on the themes of exile, displacement, and the longing for a homeland. He was a member of the Israeli Communist Party and was an outspoken advocate for Palestinian rights. Darwish was awarded numerous awards for his work, including the Lenin Peace Prize, the Lannan Cultural Freedom Prize, and the Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters. He passed away in 2008, leaving behind a legacy of powerful and moving works that continue to inspire and influence readers around the world.