In praise of poetry

Although, admittedly, a little late, the Ghaqda Poeti Maltin still feels it must comment about an article in Showtime (November 7) entitled "Verse case scenario" dealing with poetry societies in Malta and Gozo.

Grace Pace, of Zabbar, who happens to be a very great friend of mine and colleague practising the same profession in the not-so-distant past, drew the attention of the writer of the article to Kikkra Kulturali and its activities to promote poetry.

After reading such articles, the Ghaqda Poeti Maltin wonders how it could be possible that the writer, and anyone else for that matter, has never heard of our association, which was established 28 years ago with the exclusive aim of promoting poetry in our country and Maltese poetry abroad.

Since its foundation, in 1975, the Ghaqda Poeti Maltin has established itself as the only organisation with exclusive interest in poetry writing, appreciation and promotion.

Its activities include an annual poetry competition, open to everybody. An annual poetry competition for children is also held regularly.

But the most prestigious activity was the holding of the Premju Città di Valletta, organised for 10 successive years under the patronage of the President of Malta and by which the Ghaqda Poeti Maltin honoured some of Malta' s personalities most successful in their respective artistic field.

Besides all this, the Ghaqda Poeti Maltin is still very active today. Three times a year it publishes Versi, a magazine which deals only with poetry, offering articles of information and criticism and publishing poems of the best past and contemporary, local and foreign poets.

The association also organises regular poetry evenings and it has succeeded in harnessing the help of various local councils, in the organisation of these evenings.

All one has to do to become a member of the Ghaqda Poeti Maltin is send five of his/her poems, together with a short curriculum vitae to The secretary, Ghaqda Poeti Maltin, Darna, 42, Triq Is-Sur, Fgura, PLA 14. These will be examined by a commission and, if found to be up to standard, or if they will prove to be promising enough, the writer will be enrolled as member of the association to partake of the benefits which the Ghaqda Poeti Maltin offers.

Mr Magro is secretary, Ghaqda Poeti Maltin