Amita Sanghavi (Oman) wins the 3rd Prize at “Città di Arona” Poetry Contest with the poem “Dew drops on the petals”

Amita Sanghavi, Sultanate of Oman 

DEW DROPS ON THE PETALS

Dew drops on the flower
Baptize the petals.
Tear drops from the soul
Baptize the eyes.
Baptizer, the water,
Guilt cleanser, the water,
Thirst quencher, the water,
Seed sprouter, the water,
Feet soother, the water,
Formless, odourless, tasteless,
Life-sustainer, the water.

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Critical Comment dy Dana Neri

DEW DROPS ON THE PETALS

The poem “Dew drops on the petals” is a brief and evocative composition that captures the beauty and purity of water, exploring its significance both physically and symbolically. The poet begins the description with the delicate image of dew drops falling on a flower, representing the power of water to baptize and refresh the petals.

The central theme of the poem emerges as the poet draws a parallel between dewdrops and tears of the soul, both capable of purifying and giving life. Water becomes the “baptizer,” the “guilt cleanser,” that quenches and sustains life itself. The author attributes to water a series of positive qualities, such as promoting growth (“seed sprouter”) and soothing pains (“feet soother”).

The poem culminates in the listing of water’s attributes: “formless, odorless, tasteless,” emphasizing its essential and universal nature. Water is presented as an indispensable vital force.

In general, the poem offers a reflection on the deep connection between water and life itself, suggesting that water is much more than a mere physical element; it is also a symbol of purification, rebirth, and nourishment. The simplicity and elegance of the words make this poem an ode to water, celebrating its value both physically and metaphorically.

Huguette Bertrand (Canada) wins the 2nd Prize at “Città di Arona” Poetry Contest with the poem “RENCONTRE”

Digital Artwork by Huguette Bertrand, Canada

RENCONTRE

Se saluer à travers la voix

à travers l’oeil

pour faire durer le temps

pour dérober l’espace entre nos gestes

et inscrire un pacte

au registre de nos mémoires

Se reconnaître à travers une parole intense

comme des fous entêtés

et sous la caresse des mots

diluer un peu de soi dans la lumière diffuse.

INCONTRO

Salutarsi a voce
attraverso lo sguardo
per far durare il tempo
rubare lo spazio tra i nostri gesti
e iscrivere un patto
nel registro dei nostri ricordi.

Riconoscersi attraverso un discorso intenso
come pazzi ostinati
e sotto la carezza delle parole
diluire un po’ di noi stessi nella luce diffusa.

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Critical Comment by Dana Neri

 RENCONTRE

The poem “RENCONTRE” captures the essence of a meaningful human encounter through poetic images and metaphors. The author explores the theme of connection and communion between two individuals.

The image of “greeting through the branches” and facing the “anger of the wind” creates a sense of challenge and strength in the encounter, as if the external world is a test of their connection. The poem emphasizes the importance of words and gaze in extending time and stealing a special space between gestures, creating a pact of connection and a record of shared memories.

The use of the expression “like stubborn fools” suggests intense passion in the encounter, while the “caress of words” represents the delicacy and intimacy of interaction. The poem evokes a sense of deep connection and intimacy between individuals, highlighting the power of words and gestures in meeting and creating shared memories.

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Huguette Bertrand, Canada