Krijumčari
- 105 pages
- 4 hours of reading
The poems in this collection traverse rapid historical changes and personal reflections, delving into the complexities of understanding through the lens of the Balkans' people and landscape. Aleš Debeljak's urban imagination crafts a mosaic that is both intimate and historical, portraying a lost people and their homeland. Each poem consists of sixteen lines arranged in four quatrains, a form Debeljak often employs. This structure is complemented by a visual balance, with each poem serving as a grid for memories and associative thoughts. In one poem, the speaker reflects on the solace found in a bookstore during winter's darkness, recalling the nostalgia of youth and the camaraderie of fellow poets. The imagery evokes a sense of longing and the passage of time, as the speaker navigates the remnants of shared literary experiences. Debeljak's works have been translated into multiple languages, showcasing his international reach. He teaches Cultural Studies at the University of Ljubljana in Slovenia. Brian Henry, who has authored ten poetry collections and received the 2011 Best Translated Book Award, teaches at the University of Virginia in Richmond, Virginia.
