I Have Lost Nothing

Description:

Non ho perduto nulla is a poem by Italian poet Salvatore Quasimodo, included in his collection Dare e avere published in 1966. This collection marks one of the later phases of Quasimodo’s literary career, reflecting on themes of loss, memory, and existential contemplation.

In Non ho perduto nulla, Quasimodo explores the concept of loss and the preservation of memories. The poem’s title, which translates to I Have Lost Nothing, suggests a paradoxical stance where the poet asserts a sense of completeness or fulfilment despite the inevitable experiences of loss and change in life. This is characteristic of Quasimodo’s reflective and mature style in his later years, where he often reconciled with his past and the transient nature of human existence.

About the poet:

Salvatore Quasimodo (1901-1968) was an influential Italian poet and a central figure in the Hermetic movement, a literary trend characterized by obscure and highly symbolic language. Born in Modica, Sicily, Quasimodo’s early life was marked by frequent relocations due to his father’s work as a railway official. He studied engineering in Rome but never completed his degree, turning instead to literature. His early work, including the collection “Acque e terre” (1930), reflected his Sicilian roots and a deep connection to nature. Over time, his poetry evolved to embrace more complex themes, including human suffering and existentialism, as seen in his collections Oboe sommerso (1932) and Erato e Apòllion (1936).

Quasimodo’s literary career reached its zenith in the post-war period, with his poetry increasingly reflecting the social and political upheavals of the time. His work during this period, such as Giorno dopo giorno (1947), displayed a clear shift towards social engagement and a denunciation of war. In 1959, Quasimodo was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature for his “lyrical poetry, which with classical fire expresses the tragic experience of life in our own times.” He remains a towering figure in 20th-century Italian literature, celebrated for his profound and evocative verse that continues to resonate with readers today.

1. Quasimodo, Salvatore. Dare e avere. Milan: Mondadori, 1966.

2.“Salvatore Quasimodo.” Nobel Prize, Nobel Prize Organization. Accessed July 1, 2024. https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/literature/1959/quasimodo/biographical/

3. Britannica, T. Editors of Encyclopaedia. “Salvatore Quasimodo.” Encyclopedia Britannica, June 10, 2024. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Salvatore-Quasimodo.