The shipwrecked. A curious name for a book of poems, nonetheless poses a great synonym for society today. 

A shipwreck can mean a lot of things. In the case of this pamphlet of poems, the authors Luca Ariano and Carmine De Falco tackle controversial or societal topics that have often led to “uncharted land.”

The authors have separate ideas but similar styles, not showing the distinctness between their types but ending up with a cohesive book of poems.

This is the second book that the authors have co-written together, both having much practice, and creation of their own poetry separately.

The two poets have been friends for more than 20 years, bouncing styles off one another and making the book almost indistinguishable between the writers.

“So we took a journey of poetry together, therefore exchanging our texts, comparing ourselves,” Ariano said “and this book, I naufraganti, is the second chapter.”

This book focuses mainly on the societal resistance that was normalized during the Covid-19 pandemic and years surrounding, which has now begun to dissipate.

“On a poetic level an idea of ​​resisting to something was in fact the years of accusconism the world was changing globalisation,” Ariano said. “There were some pockets of resistance today instead after 10 years it seemed to us that these pockets have disappeared, changed, mutated and it is increasingly difficult to resist the changes.”

When asked why they chose to write poetry and stick with it thus far in life, a very curious and unpopular answer was stated. “Poetry has flowed within me since I was a child. I started writing at 13 or 14 years old and I haven't stopped since.” Ariano said “It's a very strong need of mine. It's a need as simple as eating and sleeping.” 

Although poetry isn’t the most popular writing style, and tends to fade out in common books, Ariano said “I've never thought of writing to gain popularity. In fact, poetry isn't that popular in Italy.” 

At the Palazzi Community Center, members of the community and students both could be seen interpreting and reflecting on the passages written by the authors as they read out loud some of their favorites.

Topics of the poems range mainly from large-scale issues that the public faces today such as  “terminal smartphone-addiction,” artificial intelligence, and the light and darkness that countries such as America face today. 

While these topics and genres can be difficult topics to discuss, the authors emphasize the importance of speaking up. “If we want to stay on the more human and social aspect. I believe that it is important that the poet maintains contact with his public,” De Falco said. 

De Falco shared a recent inspiration he experiences that inspired him.

“Recently I happened to listen to a Palestinian poet Najwan Darwish who obviously carried with him all the burden in the dramatic situation that he directly experienced.” De Falco said.  “And yet seeing him there writing and offering himself as a reciting body of his texts is something that is still very powerful.”

Ariano’s next collection will be focused on 20th century and contemporary poets. “At the end of the year, a book of mine will be released which collects essays on literary criticism, later on I will write my own personal poetry.”

The next Palazzi Community Center book presentation will cover the book "Performing Poetry" on April 28 in the garden at Via Riscoli, 21. The event will explore the feelings and emotions that poetry can bring out in its readers. This “living, embodied and transformative” experience, according to the event coordinators, will be a stage set for how to use poetry as “a tool for healing, listening and awareness.”

Attendees can sign up on the eventbrite link here and will be offered a welcome glass of prosecco.