Poetry builds bridges: Alba Iulia's literary celebration
The beauty and power of authentic poetry resonated across university halls, high schools, schools, libraries, and museums.
Poets and readers came together to celebrate International Poetry Day. Alba Iulia Library hosted a poetry marathon featuring Radmila Popovici, Silvia Caloianu, Nadejda Ivanov, Arcadie Suceveanu, and Grigore Chiper.
"Poetry should possess the power to eradicate all the world's evils. To truly reconcile philosophies and religions, to halt wars, and to alleviate all suffering," poet Silvia Caloianu asserted.
The verses explored diverse themes, reflecting the International Poetry Day's focus: "Poetry builds bridges for peace and inclusion."
"I hope poetry not only builds bridges and brings peace this year, but has always enabled people to endure and survive. Beyond us, poetry will endure as long as life exists, because it permeates everything," poet Radmila Popovici expressed.
"Poetry is the deepest, truest expression of my being. I write to understand myself," poet Nadejda Ivanov shared.
For Arcadie Suceveanu, Poetry Day encompasses two aspects: the solitary work of writing and the communal act of meeting readers.
"We must carefully consider how to bring readers closer to literature, to poetry. These recitals, along with discussions, are invaluable in helping them understand the current state of literature and poetry," poet Arcadie Suceveanu stated.
"Recently, poetry books are being published in increasingly smaller print runs, and they are no longer widely distributed as they once were. Bookstores, those beacons of community, have disappeared, replaced by numerous pubs," Nicolae Spătaru, director of Alba Iulia Library, observed.
Readers, primarily students from Professional School number 2, relished the opportunity to engage with the poets:
It's a unique experience to see the writers in person.
I always enjoy reading poetry in Romanian class, especially the works of Mihai Eminescu.
"I strive to instill a love of poetry in my students during Romanian language and literature classes. As long as poetry exists, so will we, because poetry is a form of communication with the divine," Romanian language teacher Victoria Gore affirmed.
International Poetry Day was first celebrated in 1999. It is a UNESCO initiative to honor poets, highlight the role of poetry, and promote shared values.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
