The Maltese Poets Association (Għaqda Poeti Maltin) is practically ignored where state financial help to artistic bodies is concerned, the association’s quarterly Versi laments.
Alfred Massa, president of the association, pays a warm tribute to Fr Anastasju Cuschieri on the 50th anniversary of his death, outlining and highlighting some of the most important episodes and phases of his life and career as one of Malta’s foremost poets.
The Contemporary Maltese Poets Corner is dedicated to poet Charles Mifsud, and included are three of his finest and very moving poems: Qed Jisbaħ, Fil-Waqt li Niftakar and Kemm se jdum il-Pa?
Stefano Farrugia’s poem Flaxbekk (Flashback), which won the National Poetry Contest and the Amante Buontempo Prize 2011 is published, followed by a fine essay by Elaine Degiorgio about beautiful and not so beautiful moments in 20th-century Maltese poetry.
There is a short report about an international poetry activity entitled Peace and Solidarity in the World (September, 2011).
Charles Magro provides a critical study on the very touching poem Daħla, by Anastasju Cuschieri, to be followed by Alfred Massa, who again comments on two recent publications: L-Assedju t’Għawdex tal-1551 (The Siege of Gozo of 1551), set to verse by the Gozitan Ġanninu Cremona, and Qwiel Minn Fomm l-Imġarrab, a collection of poetic adages gathered from the mouths of elderly local folk by Frank Portelli, who lives in Australia.
Massa updates the reader about the latest news from the world of poetry, to be followed by three interesting photos from the association’s numerous activities.
Angela Mamo writes an expansive essay about the poetic element in familial relations, particularly where filial ones are concerned.
The last page is entirely devoted to the prize-giving evening of the National Poetry Competition 2011, together with a pertinent photo of the winners with Massa.
Versi is replete with a number of beautiful poems in various languages and is a must for all those who have poetry at heart.
Copies, at €1 each, may be obtained from 9, ‘Springdale’, Triq it-Taħħân, Mosta, MST 4215.