Antonio Oliva
Frantumi

"Poetry is the medium for expressing the most intimate thoughts and feelings, which often, in the form of memories, remain beneath the skin for a lifetime."

So begins the opening notes of the book "Frantumi", a collection of poems by Antonio Oliva.

Born in 1985, with a degree in Modern Literature and various experiences in the musical and theatrical fields, Oliva ventures into an artistic field such as poetry, which, if we may say, might be daunting for the new generations. In his book, just published by Irideventi for the series Poets of the New Millennium, he offers us a kaleidoscope of images and states of mind, of sensations and experiences, of reflections and relevant considerations for someone so young.

In the preface to the volume, Luca Carbonara says: "The poetic collection, in its carefully crafted fragmentation, actually turns out to be a homogeneous corpus held together by the author's sharp vision, capable of modulating itself to become at times philosophical, at times prophetic, at times pragmatically disenchanted."

And it is precisely this variety of styles and thoughts that makes the collection of poems so multifaceted.

In an era of excessive technological exasperation, where values are in strong decline in favor of alarming hedonism, it is somewhat reassuring to see how there are still young people who turn to the ancient art of choosing words and merging their sound with their rhythm to convey thoughts and emotions.

"We hover over puddles of sun surrounded by weariness, comfortable frenzy, and free market routine, with very few smiles, graspable, but only at night."

Surreal figures alternate with scenes from daily life or dreamy summer frescoes: "Three rays of warm sun crash onto the terrace, below which salty windows from the sprays of two gulls gliding arm in arm..."

Optimism alternates with pessimism, the past gives way to the future, white alternates with black, in a play of contrasts that doesn't always leave room for intermediate shades. But when this happens, here comes the gray: the perfect harmonization of contrasts.

Emerging are flashes of memories and fragments linked to places evidently very dear, whether they are large metropolises, charming towns, or pleasant seaside villages.

This book, as it prompts you to think, suddenly takes a turn, a twist that relaxes you, soothes you, and transmits peace. And it is no simple task to maintain balance, with measure and without faltering, in such a vast sea of feelings.

Highly recommended to noble souls.

Keep up the good work.