Nature's Lap, a Poem by Rajeshri Senapati Gogoi

Where the concrete ends and the soft grass starts,
Nature opens her arms to our heavy hearts.
A canopy woven in emerald and jade,
Offers a sanctuary, a cool, dappled shade.
​The whispers of pine trees, a low, ancient hum,
Inviting the weary and restless to come.
Beneath the vast ceiling of azure and white,
The shadows of morning dance into the light.
​A silver-tongued creek over pebbles will play,
Washing the dust of the city away.
The fragrance of petrichor, deep and so sweet,
Rises to welcome our wandering feet.
​No clocks mark the rhythm, no sirens intrude,
In this temple of silence and soft solitude.
The mountains stand sentry, rugged and steep,
Guarding the secrets the valley will keep.
​We lean on the cedar, we rest by the fern,
To the basics of breathing we slowly return.
The pulse of the planet, a steady, calm beat,
Provides us a refuge from worry and heat.
​With wildflowers blooming in chaotic grace,
Time slows its frantic and feverish pace.
In the cradle of earth, where the wild spirits roam,
The soul finds its footing and finally feels home.

- Rajeshri Senapati Gogoi 
Dibrugarh, Assam, India

ANGELA KOSTA IN: “RE-EMBRACING POETRY” AT THE GENERAL CONSULATE OF THE REPUBLIC BY ALBANIA IN MILAN (ITALY)

On May 15, 2026, at the General Consulate of the Republic of Albania in Milan, the important cultural event “Re-Embracing Poetry” took place — an intense and emotional gathering dedicated to literature, the art of words, and the cultural dialogue between Albania and Italy.

The event, which began at 4:00 PM, featured the books of authors Fatmir Gjata and Angela Kosta, prominent figures in the contemporary cultural scene, who through their writing build bridges between peoples, memories, and emotions.

The event was officially opened by Consul Anila Pojani, whose speech emphasized the importance of culture as a tool for unity, identity, and international dialogue. Her words highlighted the value of poetry and literature in keeping cultural roots alive and in strengthening the historical ties between the Albanian and Italian communities.

Later, Dr. Francesca Gallello, publisher of Veliero Publishing House, addressed the audience, expressing deep admiration for the featured authors and emphasizing the narrative and poetic strength of their works, capable of crossing geographical and linguistic borders to reach the hearts of readers.

A significant contribution also came from Luljeta Cobanaj, a key figure in the organization of the event, whose commitment helped ensure the success of an evening filled with artistic sensitivity and emotional participation.

Among the honored guests who enriched the event with their presence was also Loris Castriota Skanderbegh II, descendant of the legendary Albanian national hero Gjergj Kastrioti Skanderbeg. His participation gave the event a strong symbolic and historical value, recalling the deep connection between memory, identity, and Albanian cultural heritage.

One of the most moving moments of the evening was the extraordinary interpretation of poems and literary passages by Englantina Teja, who, with intensity and artistic sensitivity, gave voice to the texts of the two authors, engaging the audience in a poetic journey filled with emotions, reflections, and evocative imagery.

Special attention was dedicated to Angela Kosta, an author who over the years has distinguished herself through an intense and profoundly human literary production. Her poetry explores universal themes such as love, nostalgia, memory, female identity, pain, and hope, successfully blending stylistic elegance with emotional authenticity. Through delicate yet powerful writing, Angela Kosta today represents one of the most appreciated voices of contemporary Albanian literature within the European cultural diaspora.

Her works do not merely narrate personal emotions but become instruments of connection between different cultures, promoting intercultural dialogue and enhancing the richness of Balkan artistic roots. Her presence at the event once again confirmed the fundamental role of poetry as a universal language, capable of breaking down linguistic barriers and creating closeness among peoples.

The evening concluded with an elegant convivial cocktail reception, during which guests, authors, and participants had the opportunity to exchange ideas, share opinions, and strengthen those cultural bridges that for centuries have united Albania and Italy through art, traditions, history, and shared values.

“Re-Embracing Poetry” was not merely a literary event, but a true encounter of souls, memories, and cultures, destined to leave a significant mark on the contemporary Italo-Albanian cultural landscape.

Heartfelt thanks go to all those who participated, collaborated, and contributed with passion and dedication to the realization of this extraordinary cultural initiative.

THE PSYCHOPATHIC CROW BY MARIA TERESA LIUZZO

[THE EXERCISE OF SATIRE THROUGH THE METRIC OF THE NURSERY RHYME]

As naughty as the wind, the ''blind of Sorrento''.

One circle for the barrel and one for the wine

draws water to his mill.

What a disaster, what a flood,

will it be Etna or Vesuvius?

Early minstrel playing the mandola.

The unrepentant Topo Gigio is Neptune with the trident.

It will be false it will be true,

who is the Woman of Mystery

who marries Jesus in the monastery?

The hag is in a puddle,

the mozzarella arrives by carriage.

Topo Gigio is impertinent, his crush is harmful:

loves risk and ricotta!

Poor guy is under guard.

''Don't betray me black sea''

don't turn me into Calimero!

What a tragedy, what a misfortune,

even the tapir escaped to the moon.

The cursed hag continued her revenge.

''You are nothing but a sloth,

you are and will remain my slave.

There is an egg for you

from the crooked hag.

The hag is contagious

he is truly a black soul.

Poor ''Cristi'' his pawns,

she is the swindling march

sends them to war as infantry:

by envy consumed, by fools praised,

the psychopathic hag!

''You must not publish it

intimate to his ''rats'' his jesters.

No, not her!

It hurt

she wasn't fooled,

no, not her, on your portal!

Close and darken the other ''door''

leave me a big break.

My heart is too bitter,

be my donkey too!

Play your cards well

I know you like ''milk''.

My face as a sole

I will give you my daughter.

I love your tail wagging

with my verse you must go.

Cast your line too,

I am the nun from ''Monza''.

I decide your fate, play your cards well:

obey or it's blackmail!

I made a big mistake

I will soon be his target.

It reduces us to darkness

his dress is LIGHT!

□

SHORT BIOGRAPHY OF MARIA TERESA LIUZZO – ITALIA

Maria Teresa Liuzzo was born in Saline di Montebello Jonico and lives in Reggio di Calabria (Italy). President of the Lyric-Dramatic Association "P. Benintende" - Journalist - Publisher - Director of the literary magazine "LE MUSE" - Deputy Director of the television news program "Artes e Tv" - Essayist - Lyricist - Literary and Art Critic - Public Relations Director - Translator - Opinionist - Writer - Philosopher - Editorialist - Assistant Director - Talent Scout - Socio-cultural Operator - Foreign Correspondent - Editor of Italian and foreign newspapers and magazines - Editor of poetry and fiction series - Doctor of Psychology (Leibniz University Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA) - Professor of Philosophy and Modern Literature (USA) - Executive Member of SIRIUS MEDIA (Bonn - Germany); Member of the World Writers' Organization WOW (Russia); Important Member of the Academic Senate of Leibniz University (USA). Maria T. Liuzzo is a foreign correspondent, editor, and contributor to hundreds of Italian and foreign magazines and newspapers, websites, and blogs. She has published 35 books, including five "coming-of-age" novels. She has translated authors from five continents into Italian. Her work has been translated into 32 languages.

Two Poems by Astrit Lulaj

WHAT CAN I SAY ABOUT YOU 

You knew me well, with every single flaw,

My habits, scars, the ugly parts of me.

With patient care, you slowly healed them all,

How could I not call you kindness, honestly? 

You showed me pain I carried deep inside,

Where silent tears would fall within my soul.

Yet with one smile, you made me feel alive,

How could I not call you Saint Mary whole? 

You forgave every mistake I made,

My foolish steps, my moments gone astray.

You held my hand each time I fell and failed,

What can I call you but God, in every way? 

You spoke to me beneath the moonlit sky,

We chased away our sleep, just you and me.

You filled my life with dreams and color bright,

And I will always call you: love, endlessly.

□

MOONLIT NIGHT 

I left the tavern, left it all behind,

Where heavy smoke and wine hung in the air;

Upon the road, so sudden, did I find

You like a breeze that met me unaware. 

The moon is naked, glowing at its height,

Tonight we wander, lost in blissful grace;

O mighty God, you’re poor compared tonight,

For I have claimed the heavens as my place. 

The girl is mine, she lingers by my side,

The road is mine, so open and so free;

The moon is mine, upon the wind to ride,

Drunk without wine, that’s what I’ve come to be. 

With wings of love, so boundless and so bright,

While people sleep and streets are silent, clear,

I pray to God to grant my days this light:

To turn them into nights with moons held dear.

□

- ASTRIT LULAJ

Albania 

AUTHOR PROFILE 

Astrit Lulaj was born in Berat on November 1, 1968, and has lived for several years in the coastal city of Durrës, Albania. An engineer and jurist by profession, he maintains a deep and constant devotion to poetic creation. He has published two poetry collections, The Soul’s Journey (Il Viaggio dell’Anima) and One is Missing… (Manca uno…), and is currently finalizing two new volumes. The first gathers his most recent lyrical work, while the second represents his first major engagement with the poetic adaptation into Albanian of classical and contemporary authors from world literature. He writes primarily in Albanian but is passionately dedicated to translating and recreating poetry from Italian, Russian, Turkish, Spanish, German, Arabic, and English. Through his work, he seeks to build bridges between different cultures and literary sensibilities by reinterpreting fundamental texts of world literature in a new poetic light. His poems have appeared in numerous national and international anthologies, and he is an active participant in literary competitions and a regular contributor to various cultural journals.

FATE IS NOT RANDOM, A POEM BY CVIJA PERANOVIĆ KOJĆ

Every step I have taken

was already written:

in the shadows of ancestors,

in the silence of stars,

in the dust of ancient roads.

It was never by chance

that life led me

through breaks and farewells,

through sleepless nights,

through wounds that burned

and healed.

Every pain carried a voice,

a story I did not know,

yet one that shaped me

like water shapes stone—

quietly, relentlessly,

with time.

Fate is not punishment,

not a heavy burden...

It is a weaving of light and shadow,

an eternal dance,

an understanding without words,

an answer we carry within ourselves.

My wounds are paths.

My silences are strength,

and each new day –

a gift I did not ask for,

but for which I always

hoped.

- CVIJA PERANOVIĆ KOJĆ

Austria 

About the poet-

Cvija Peranović Kojć was born in 1968 in Brčko, Bosnia and Herzegovina. After completing high school in her hometown, she continued her education and life in Austria, where she graduated from the Higher School of Economics, while simultaneously advancing her knowledge of the German language. Later, she studied psychology at the Pedagogical Academy in Brčko, combining insights from economics, languages, and psychology with a deep interest in human nature and creativity. She currently lives and creates in Austria, where she is actively engaged in literary and scientific work. She is the author of seven independent books – four for adults: Where Love Unites, We Build Bridges of Happiness, The Other Side of Life, and Alchemy of Mind and Soul, as well as three books for children: Let’s Play, The Playful World of a Little Schoolchild, and The Upside-Down World of Children. Her work intertwines poetic expression, psychological depth, and a humanistic message, all conveyed through a recognizable spiritual and contemplative tone. Her writings are featured in numerous anthologies and collections in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the wider region, and around the world. Her poetry and prose have been translated into several foreign languages and published in renowned literary journals across Europe, Asia, Latin America, and Africa. Cvija is a member and ambassador of various international and regional literary associations and academies. She has participated in numerous international poetry festivals, where she represents her homeland and region with dignity and inspiration. She is the recipient of many awards and recognitions for her contribution to literature, culture, and social dialogue. Her writing is seen as a bridge between the inner world and universal values – love, freedom, spirituality, and truth. Through her work and public engagement, she promotes the idea of connecting people through art, the written word, and humanity.

Spring Circle Dance, a Poem by Prof. Ljiljana Samardžić

As I listen to the Spring Circle Dance

of our good neighbours, the Romanians,

my soul expands, leaving my body, soaring above the beautiful Balkans...

I look at the mountains and hills

covered in dense forests,

the fields, plains, lakes,

and rivers flowing into 

the blue waters of four seas.

I see the traces 

of long-vanished civilizations,

the restored cities

of glorious Roman emperors,

churches and monasteries,

some still in ruins,

others rebuilt,

when the conquerors finally left 

these lands.

I see modern buildings too,

over a hundred meters high,

offering views of half the Balkans...

In love with the beauty of this land 

and its warm-hearted people,

full of spirit and diverse talents,

enslaved since time immemorial

by invading hordes,

from both the East and the West,

who burned, destroyed, killed, raped...

But things were built again,

all from the start,

and children were born...

Greedy and evil,

the conquerors always played 

the same card,

within the Balkan mixture 

of faiths and nations,

of the same roots, similar customs, music, folk dances, "kolas",

and languages...

Divide and conquer 

was the proven card

of every invader of these lands.

If only the Balkan people

respected themselves more,

staying healthy,

in both body and spirit,

as they, still, now are...

If only they resisted the decadence spreading toward the Balkans

from the wealthiest parts of the world, 

those who buy everything,

even a heart ripped out 

of a living, kidnapped human being...

If only we didn't wage wars

among themselves,

committing against one another unprecedented atrocities,

as in the notorious "Yellow House",

at the dawn of the twenty-first century...

If we could all 

just hold hands,

forming one great "kolo",

building together our future...

If only all that could be 

and the hatred among us could vanish...

If only...

Will it ever be?

- Prof. Ljiljana Samardžić

Serbia

A special note about the poem by author:-

This beautiful Spring Dance (Hora Primăverii) was composed by the Romanian composer Vladimir Radu in 1966. I had heard it before on YouTube, and then I came across it again on TikTok; since then, I’ve been listening to it daily for ten days...Last night, this melody brought me back to life after watching a program about the crimes in the "Yellow House," committed by the KLA against Serbs, Roma, and a smaller number of Albanians in Kosovo and Metohija in 1999 and 2000. As I listened, these verses began to flow spontaneously.

Four Poems by Shakil Kalam

A Frame 

A frame hung on the east wall
There were some pictures from a long time ago 
Very bright, fresh, smiling
They used to talk, laugh and play with me. 

Second. Minutes. Hours. Days. Weeks. Months. Years.
Forty-five years have passed in the circle of time
The colour of the black and white pictures is also faded. 

It seems it has flown away like volatile camphor.
Eyesight is getting progressively weaker;
The lenses of the glasses need to be replaced every year.
Memories are doing betray, no one's picture comes to mind.
Only memories are ruminating and leave on
Morale is getting weaker slowly. 

Many of my generation have gone,
I am also a passer in the same way; everyone must have go.
Someone will tie my picture in this frame?
Or will I be tied to this frame? 

Sometimes friends or familiar people will say,
He was a vagabond, an insane, a so-called poet.
Maybe someone will see the picture in full love eyes!
At some point, the frame will be thrown in a corner of the storeroom
It will stay there eternally; carelessly and negligently.
Or shall it be thrown in the roadside dustbin?
In the frenzy of modernity, in the brilliance of youth.
This is life! This is the last result of human life! 

Yeh, inheritors, you see, in this frame
There is so much love, affection and compassion involved
And how much sweat, labour, investment, blessings, and dreams.
Your ancestors are hidden there
History-tradition and culture, policy, ethics,
Social and family values, ideals, laughter-crying, happiness-sadness.
Don't throw this frame away in disgust.
********************************************

Poet of My Immortal Poetry 

A creative poet is accolade in the morning, in the evening and forever
He to be alive in the people's hearts through his creations,  
Gets immortality in the heart of the readers
He sings the praises of humanity and Humaneness
He preaches message of humanity to people
He initiates people to get their rights
He becomes long live in the hearts of readers for thousands of years; 
Creative people shine like bright stars in the sky and give light to people 
Enlightens the human race
He sings the praises of humanity and peace
Even if a group of miscreants breaks the sculpture of a creative person 
His thousands sculptures creating in the heart of readers 
And imprintes on the human heart continuously
Fools themselves to mankind, . . . . 
Abominable beast will be! Woe to the beast! 
******************************************** 

On the way to the future with time 

The sky where the sun rises, the sun sets
A new sun rises, dispelling the light darkness of dawn
New ideas emerge in human consciousness
Draws a vision of the future in the depths of the heart
Countless doors are opened for future decision-making
At the end of darkness comes the direction of light
A star twenty million light-years away was caught by the scientist's giant telescope 
The space was decorated by the moon's light; 
What a wonderful light!
In the light of the full moon; the fireflies don't burn in this city.
Suddenly the crow-clouds of the eastern corner thicken in the northern sky, 
In the universe of heart and soul.
I am swing in the sway of faith and disbelief;
A whirlwind, a tide rushes at the border of thought, 
To snatch my hope from my life.  
What is the wonderful truth of life? Death! to survive!
Life moves forward in the future at its own pace, 
Some great feats, some sweet memories and the dry existence of natural beauty are left behind. 
********************************************

Lost Love 

My heart is excited by the wonderful scenery of "Kojagari" night
In this amazing moment, I want you, only you, Hridita.
Are you lost in the blue sky! 
Just tell me, where are you? 
I will take you with me in the land of white fairies; 
At the peak of the ice wrapped mountain; 
I will build a habitat there.
You and I will float silently in the black cloud and the white cloud 
You can't escape in the blue sky
You are an abstract and wonderful lady in a white and blue saree.
I have lost myself into you; in a turbulent love.
My soul is imprisoned in the "Shankhnil" prison,
I am trapped in the corners of your kohl-eyes. 

( NB: 1. "Kojagari" means the full moon night, 2. "Shankhnil" means the prison of great tribulation) 
********************************************

Poet Shakil Kalam is a root finder writer of Bangladesh. He obtained his Master’s from the University of Dhaka, he is presently working as an Additional Director at the Central Bank of Bangladesh. Mostly, he is renowned as a central banker, researcher, poet, child litterateur and translator. His poems have been translated into thirty-two foreign languages all over the world. His published books thirty-nine are the best sellers and textual books taught in many universities in Bangladesh. Awarded with Order of Shakespeare Medal 2021, Gujarat Sahitya Academy award 2021 and Global Prestigious award 2021. He is the founder of the literary group SahittyaPata. He is also the International Ambassador for the Chamber of Writers and Artists in Spain as well as a member of the International English literary journal's Advisory Board of the ENGLIT" and the "Unending Quest." He is also a member of Dhaka University Political Science and Master in Governance Studies Alumni Association.

ANGELA KOSTA HONORED WITH THE PRESTIGIOUS "BRANKO MERXHANI" AWARD BY THE ALBANIAN JOURNALISTS UNION

The Albanian Journalists Union, in its first event Italo-Albanian Cultural Expressions, in collaboration with the Italian association “VerbumlandiArt,” opened an international dialogue between culture, journalism, and social engagement: “Verbum Mundi”.

On April 28, 2026, in the Albanian capital, the inaugural event of the international project “Verbum Mundi,” promoted by the Italian association VerbumlandiArt APS and carried out in cooperation with the Albanian Journalists Union (UGSH), took place. A high-level activity that brought together Italian and Albanian representatives in the name of intercultural dialogue and cooperation between peoples.

The official opening of the initiative was marked by the President of the Italian association, Regina Resta, and Aleksandër Çipa, key figures in a meeting that laid the foundations for an international cultural network aimed at promoting excellence in the fields of literature, art, journalism, and social engagement.

The “Verbum Mundi” project was presented as an authoritative space for dialogue and collaboration, based on shared values such as peace, justice, human dignity, and cultural responsibility. These themes, in the current global context, were repeatedly emphasized during the speeches, highlighting the need to create spaces for genuine and sustainable dialogue.

One of the main moments of the day was the award ceremony for personalities distinguished in their respective fields. Among those honored were writers, scholars, publicists, and translators such as Xhevahir Spahiu, Virion Graci, Behar Gjoka, Namik Dokle, Viola Isufaj, Engjell Seriani, Erion Kristo, Flutura Acka, Mujo Bucpapaj, Aleksandër Çipa, and Artur Nura. They were recognized by VerbumlandiArt with various awards, including the Special Excellence Award in several fields and Journalism, demonstrating the project’s attention to the value of international information and dialogue between different media systems.

“Verbum Mundi represents a broad and concrete vision: the creation of real connections between different cultures, valuing merit and promoting a culture of responsibility and dialogue,” stated Regina Resta during the event, emphasizing that Tirana is only the first step in an international journey that will include other European countries and beyond.

The project envisions a series of stops and itineraries, with high-level cultural and institutional activities designed as meeting points between institutions, intellectuals, and cultural operators, with the aim of building an international community based on shared values and cooperation among excellence.

The Italian delegation, present in large numbers, included among others Mirella Cristina, Francesco Lenoci, Eugenio Bisceglia, Maria Pia Turiello, Vinicio Leonetti, Tommaso Filieri, and Angela Kosta.

On this occasion, translator and writer Kosta was awarded the UGSH “Branko Merxhani” Prize with the motivation: “For a specific contribution to intercultural and literary relations between Italy and Albania. Through her work as a writer, translator, poet, and publicist, she stands out as a representative of Albanian cultural expression in Europe.”

With this first event, moderated by the journalist, poet, and well-known TV host from Pristina, Ms. Alketa Gashi Fazliu, “Verbum Mundi” aims to become a reference point in the international cultural landscape, strengthening the role of VerbumlandiArt APS as a dynamic and active entity in promoting dialogue between cultures.

Afterwards, the book by author Regina Resta, “I REMAIN WORD,” translated by Angela Kosta, was presented.

Tirana, April 28, 2026

Press Office – Albanian Journalists Union

By Angela Kosta

In the book I REMAIN WORD by the author Regina Resta (while translating it), in every poem, in every verse, I touched her beautiful and noble soul—one not confined to thoughts, expressions, desires, or words, but expanding into a narrative psychological oneirism as well as an extreme animism. As also mentioned by Aleksandër Çipa in the foreword of this book:

“Regina Resta has the Olympic traits of an odyssean lady, ceaseless and tireless, with a spirit and breath that climb toward heights, with the restraint of a mind that, while keeping the forge of the word lit every day, seeks to leave it written and spoken. As a writer herself, she aspires to ‘remain word.’ This non-biblical desire conveys a biblical message to present and future readers, and now also to Albanian readers…”

I, as a translator, am convinced that this will be confirmed in the continuity and presence of this poetic work within the Albanian literary and artistic landscape. I add “artistic” because this book extensively addresses artistic contexts. The rich metaphors, the multiple perspectives—with and without conceptual frameworks (yet always clearly and rightly detailed)—embody not only her personality but also her figure as a multifaceted author, who addresses contemporary themes, asks questions, provides answers, and at the same time responds to the injustices of every era, every individual, every society, every moment of life.

In her poetry, Resta paints precisely the universal human existence; she does so by using brushes and colors that correspond to the stages of life, beginning from childhood, adolescence, the first heartbeats, unrealized loves, along with the sufferings, impulses, joys, and disappointments that pour through waves, flowing into the ocean of expectation, loneliness, distance, those once warm and friendly embraces now far from memory—or lost in oblivion itself.

Through her pen, the author Resta examines with precision and temporality every aspect of life, because she knows very well that, as the great philosopher Plato said: “The unexamined life is not worth living,”

and this is the right path to achieve that.

This is why Regina Resta is and will remain “word,” because by examining life, she adds value to herself and maintains awareness over the steps she takes toward tomorrow. A tomorrow that invites her—and invites us—to know how to observe, to listen, to speak, so that we too may remain “word,” words of love, peace, and harmony.

I would like to express my deep gratitude to the President of the Albanian Journalists Union, Dr. Aleksandër Çipa, for sponsoring the publication of this book by the association “Lefter Çipa Museum,” which bears the name of his father—a well-known Albanian figure who dedicated many years to preserving Albanian cultural heritage, our folkloric costumes, and everything that enriches our homeland.

I also thank the editorial staff of the M&B publishing house (Tirana).

I wish the book a successful journey into the hands of readers, as well as continued success to the author Regina Resta.