Ounsi el-Hajj

Ounsi el-Hajj (; 1937–2014) was a Lebanese poet, journalist, and translator.

Life and career Ounsi completed his studies at Lycée Francais and La Sagesse High School. He began a professional career in journalism in 1956, as director of the cultural page at Al Hayat newspaper. He then moved to An Nahar newspaper where he was responsible for the editing of non-political content and expanded the daily cultural column into a daily full page spread.

In 1957, Ounsi contributed along with Yusuf Al-Khal and Ali Ahmad Said Esber AKA Adunis to the foundation of the poetry magazine Shi'r. In 1960, he released his first book of poetry entitled Lan, the first compilation of Arabic prose poetry.

Ounsi's works have been translated into a number of languages including English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Finnish, and Armenian.

In 1994, Lebanese soprano Majida El Roumi released an album entitled "Ibhath Anni" (Look For Me) which featured a title song in classical form with lyrics by Ounsi with operatic string themed music composed by Abdo Mounzer. The lyrics are about a woman calling for her beloved to search for her and seek out their love everywhere in order to find her.

In 1992, Ounsi became Editor-in-chief of An Nahar, a post previously held by his father Louis El-Hage. He held this position until September 2003 after which he acted as a consultant to the Board of Editors. He wrote a weekly prose column and weekly commentary that ran in the Saturday edition.

Personal life and family He was the son of journalist and translator Louis El Hage, and of Marie Akl, from Kaitouli, Jezzine (in South Lebanon)

Singer Fairuz is one of Ounsi's personal friends. Using An Nahar as a platform, Ounsi encouraged her to take control of her life and finances in a move to stress the importance of women's liberty. This is an example of Ounsi's philosophy that uses the arts as a platform for cultural change.

Published works

Compilations of Poetry

Lan (1960) The Chopped Head (1963) The Past of Forthcoming Days''' (1965) What Have You Made with the Gold What Have You Done with the Rose (1970) The Messenger with Her Hair Long Until the Sources (1975) The Banquet (1994)

Books

Words, Words, Khawatem''