Poetry for Dears

Ripples on Song

A micro collection of musically themed works for Dimash Qudaibergen and his Dears

I don’t recall exactly where or when I first encountered Dimash Qudaibergen – some years ago, riding the waves of YouTube. But I do remember the soaring, breathless sense of flight as he sang of becoming a bird. Inevitably, soon after, I found myself a Dear.

I want to keep this brief, so let us not dwell on the unquestionable beauty of Dimash’s chosen musical instrument, his voice. Instead let us speak for a moment of his humanity. A masterful artist, I think we can agree Dimash brings an extraordinary emotional intelligence to his music – the true gift for his audience. But where he becomes a standout role model is in choosing service: generously sharing himself to support collective wellbeing through music, word and action — whether as a Goodwill Ambassador for the UN Migration Agency, as the creative inspiration behind youth initiatives such as Baqytty Bala, or as a kind and empathetic ear to many an individual soul. He strives for people to be seen. Heard.

I myself cannot sing, but I can contribute thoughts. I composed this small set of poems and images, thinking of Dimash’s love of song, and his dedication to promoting unity through music. Song for us, more than for any other creature on this earth, serves as a powerful mirror for emotional awareness and resolution, a trigger for self-regulation, and change.

At the very root of every human spark sits music and rhythm — a primordial bond, and fundamental human function, thrumming to the beat of our very pulse.

Music and song are potentially the greatest force we have for human connection and unity. Dimash has a profound ability to demonstrate this. These are the themes and thoughts I wish to share with you — my own small ripple in the collective that is us.