“Qeramikiana” by Entela Tabaku: A Poetic Saga of Human Existence

Discover the transformative journey of human life through the lens of clay in this Albanian poetry masterpiece.

The author of Qeramikiana, Entela Tabaku, is an acclaimed Albanian poet whose works span over three decades. Known for her exploration of identity, alienation, and the human condition, her previous collections include 50 Poezi dhe 5 Intermexo (1996), Një Grusht Jetë sa me Vdekë (2016), Poemat e Hueja (2017), and the co-authored Enciklopedia e Mërgimit (2019). With Qeramikiana, she shifts from migration themes to the metaphorical exploration of existence, presenting readers with a poetic saga like no other.

Qeramikiana is a poetic collection born from the poem “Qeramikë”, which likens human existence to a clay pot. The title, a newly coined term, encapsulates the essence of the book—a saga of ceramics that reflects life’s fragility and resilience. Divided into three cycles, the collection traverses time, emotions, and creation, offering profound insights into the human journey.

The collection is divided into three thematic cycles:

            1.         Cycle One: “Jam prej dheu të kahershëm” (I Am Made of Ancient Clay)

This section explores the past, intertwining themes of history, tradition, and memory. Poems like “koha e vjetër na plaku të rinj” and “në mbrëmjen kur u hapen arkivat e Marubit” evoke a sense of nostalgia and reflection. The poet highlights how humanity, though shaped by ancient clay, repeats its mistakes without learning from them.

            2.         Cycle Two: “Jam prej dheu të përvluem” (I Am Made of Scorched Clay)

This cycle shifts to the inner self, examining the turmoil, passion, and resilience of the human soul. Like clay that must endure fire to transform, humans are shaped by pain and joy. Verses such as “unë jam dallga që përplaset bregut” and “zemra e thyemë lëshohet mbi dhé” illustrate the beauty and agony of existence.

            3.         Cycle Three: “Jam prej dheu të ngjyem” (I Am Made of Painted Clay)

The final cycle celebrates life’s colors and the act of creation. Poems like “qershor nordik” and “poezia nuk i ka të gjitha përgjigjet” reflect the transformative power of art and imagination, emphasizing that creation is as vital as existence itself.

The book also includes a reflective postscript by Ndue Ukaj, the editor, which adds valuable context to the collection.

Qeramikiana stands apart from Entela Tabaku’s earlier works, such as Enciklopedia e Mërgimit, Poemat e  Huaja or which focused on migration and alienation. This collection shifts toward the existential, celebrating life as an ever-transforming creation. The metaphor of clay ties together themes of fragility, resilience, and renewal, offering readers a deeply personal yet universal exploration of existence.

Why You Should Read Qeramikiana

  • Timeless Themes: The poems reflect on universal human experiences—pain, joy, transformation, and resilience.
  • Innovative Structure: Divided into three cycles, each section offers a fresh perspective on life’s journey.
  • Profound Metaphors: The use of clay as a metaphor for existence is both unique and thought-provoking.

Expertly Curated: With a postscript by Ndue Ukaj, the collection is thoughtfully crafted and deeply reflective.

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