The Resilient Beauty of the Soul: Voices from Italian Poetry
In the bustling realms of Italian literature, the poetic landscape has been richly colored by the heartfelt words of Alda Merini and the evocative verses of Angelo de Pascalis. These poets, each with their unique voice, offer a stirring contemplation of the resilient spirit and inherent beauty of the human soul. In this blog post, we pay homage to their art, reflecting on the timeless messages woven within their poems.
Alda Merini: The Mystic Poetess of Milan
Alda Merini, born and passed in Milan, is a beacon of Italian poetry, her life a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. Her verses are filled with an intensity that echoes the depths of her personal journey, from the turbulence of mental health struggles to the heights of literary recognition. Merini's work reflects a profound mysticism, with influences from Rainer Maria Rilke, and her experiences in a psychiatric institution lending raw, authentic textures to her poetry. Her masterpiece, "The Other Truth. Diary of a Misfit," showcases her indomitable spirit.
"Those Like Me" / "Quelle come me" by Alda Merini
This poem is a tribute to the unsung heroines of everyday life. It speaks to the silent givers, the dreamers, the lovers who continue to love against all odds. Merini captures the essence of those who seek to find purpose and impart wisdom amidst life's ceaseless challenges.
“Those Like Me”
by Alda Merini
Translated by S.A. Sterling
Those like me give away dreams,
even at the cost of being left dreamless.
Those like me give their souls,
for a single soul alone is like a drop of water in the desert.
Those like me extend a hand and help others rise,
even at the risk of falling themselves.
Those like me look forward,
even if the heart always remains a few steps behind.
Those like me seek a meaning to existence, and, when they find it,
try to teach it to those who are merely surviving.
Those like me, when they love, they love forever.
And when they stop loving, it is only because
small fragments of being lie inert in the hands of life.
Those like me chase a dream,
the dream of being loved for what they are
and not for what others would want them to be.
Those like me travel the world in search of those values which, by now,
have fallen into the soul's oblivion.
Those like me would like to change,
but doing so would mean to be born again.
Those like me scream in silence,
so that their voice does not blend with the tears.
Those like me are the ones whose hearts you can always break,
because you know they will let you go, asking for nothing in return.
Those like me love too much, knowing well that, in return,
they will receive nothing but crumbs.
Those like me feed on that little and on it,
unfortunately, they base their existence.
Those like me go unnoticed,
but are the only ones who will truly love you.
Those like me are those who, in the autumn of your life,
you will regret for all that they could have given you
and that you did not want...
Angelo de Pascalis: The Empathetic Voice of the South
Angelo de Pascalis hails from Lecce, a heartland of culture in Southern Italy. His eclectic journey through life as a writer, poet, blogger, and insurer has woven a rich tapestry of experiences that he deftly translates into his writing. De Pascalis' poetic voice found its wings early on in radio, and his words have since been a solace and inspiration to many. His works like "Under the Dress, the Soul" and "The Portraitist of Souls" are a testament to his deep understanding of the human condition.
"You Are Beautiful" / "Sei bella" by Angelo de Pascalis
On the occasion of the day on violence against women, this poem gained special recognition, becoming a beacon of empowerment. De Pascalis celebrates the inherent beauty of women, not for their external adornments but for their life experiences, dreams, and emotional resilience.
“You Are Beautiful”
by Angelo de Pascalis
Translated by S.A. Sterling
You are beautiful.
Not for that hint of makeup.
You are beautiful for all the life that has brushed against you,
for the dreams you harbor within
that I do not know.
Beautiful for all the times it was your turn,
but then, "next in line."
For the words spent in vain
and for those sought afar.
For every tear shed
and for those hidden at night
by the complicit light of the moon.
For the smile you attempt,
the attentiveness you don’t find,
for the emotions you feel
and the hope you conjure.
You are simply beautiful,
like a flower picked in haste,
like an unexpected gift,
like a stolen glance
or a heartfelt hug.
You are beautiful,
and it does not matter if the world knows,
you are truly beautiful,
but only to those who know how to see you.
Alda Merini: A Smile Against Adversity
Returning to Merini's poetic landscape, we find "Smile" / "Sorridi," a poem that encourages perseverance and hope. It speaks to every woman who has ever faced adversity, asking her to smile not as a surrender but as an act of rebellion against despair.
“Smile”
by Alda Merini
Translated by S.A. Sterling
Smile, woman
smile always at life
even when she does not smile at you.
Smile at ended loves,
smile at your sorrows,
smile anyway.
Your smile will be
light for your path,
beacon for lost sailors.
Your smile will be
a mother’s kiss,
a flutter of wings,
a ray of sunshine for everyone.
Merini's call for a smile is a symbolic act of defiance and a declaration of inner strength. It serves as a reminder that even in the darkest times, there is a light within that can guide us through.
Conclusion: Echoes of Resilience
Both Merini and de Pascalis, through their poignant and stirring verses, impart the message that beauty and resilience are intertwined in the fabric of our lives. They celebrate the quiet, often overlooked strength of individuals who navigate life with grace and steadfastness. These poems resonate deeply with the themes of triumph over adversity and personal growth that define the narratives at Women Rising Strong.
These poems are not just words; they are mirrors reflecting the extraordinary journeys of triumph that every woman has the power to embark upon. They serve as a reminder of the relentless spirit that defines the extraordinary journey of Dame Sarah Storey and countless other women whose stories pulse with life on the pages of history and in the corridors of our hearts.
If these poems have touched your heart or spoken to the spirit of courage and perseverance within you, I warmly encourage you to share this article with others. Let us spread the seeds of empowerment, resilience, and beauty that these words carry, so they may take root in more hearts and inspire countless other journeys of triumph.
With love and solidarity,
S.A. Sterling
And to all who have joined us in this literary sojourn, I bid you a heartfelt farewell until we meet again on these digital pages. May the strength of the words you've read here carry you through your days with grace and courage. Remember, your story is powerful, your resilience is beautiful, and your journey is not walked alone.
Keep rising strong,
S.A. Sterling