Get to know the poet. Interview by Matthew Toffolo
1) What is the theme of your poem?
Well of course, the theme of this poem is about romantic love. The poem When two lovers meet again is about two lovers who meet again after many years, after fate has seperated them. It is a moment of longing but also a strange situation where lovers find themselves together, breaking barriers whatever it was that seperated them . The passion may be there, it might have never died, or died. Whatever, it is an interesting moment, of reliving again the love story and retrospection, of holding on or letting go.
2) What motivated you to write this poem?
A writer cannot give what he or she does not have and this applies to poetry too. Every poem and writing is influenced by personal experiences and the emotions provoked by these experiences. Then these moments are relived and produced on paper, forming a mysterious mental voyage. That makes it a beautiful experience, having the capacity to put that emotion on paper and be able to share it. And, yes, the poem might be a personal experience.
3) How long have you been writing poetry?
Poetry is a personal journey and my journey in poetry started back to my school years. Since, primary level we, pupils were introduced to Maltese poetry and perhaps this planted a seed within me to write. And it worked as I gave it a try. Then by years it became a routine. I found myself writing poetry to express my emotions and what I see around me. The journey also included perdfectiing and mastering the language. Since then it never stopped.
4) If you could have dinner with one person (dead or alive), who would that be?
If I were to have dinner with one person! There is more than one but if I had to really I would choose, Brazilian writer Paolo Choelho. This great author has written several novels which are mystical and about the spiritual journey of life. His novels are not only a lesson but its like a mirror in our life s' journey apart from being captivating. His writing is unique and novels always carry that special philosophical message. I would entirely enjoy discussing with him his novels and what inspired him to create such masterpieces.
5) What influenced you to submit to have your poetry performed by a professional actor?
Apart from painting and writing I also love acting and at one point I wanted to study acting. In my younger days I did some small parts here and there, so having my poem performed fulfilled this dream. I was very emotional when I heard it being performed. There is a saying, that a poet cannot read his/ her work maybe because of emotions. I think in my case its so true. When one of the most successful and acclaimed Maltese producer, Chris Micallef introduced me to the Poetry Festival I was more than intrigued.
6) Do you write other works? scripts? Short Stories? Etc..?
I write novels, poems and articles. I am author of four novels in Maltese and three in English. My latest novel Voices in the Dark was published in 2022 and dealt with mental health. Voices in the Dark is story with a mixture of intrigues but also with psychological battles experienced by persons suffering from multiple disorders. I wanted this to be the main message, to make it thought provoking for readers. Individuals who suffer multiple disorders face different realities which for us may sound strange or even absurd. Also, my poems poetry have also been featured in International magazines and Anthologies. I am also artist and I have participated in International art exhibitions on line and even locally. My favourite theme is the female figure, but I also experiment with fabrics and colour.
7) What is your passion in life?
My passion for life is for travelling, knowledge, Spiritua Growth, Art and everything which brings me happiness.
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