POETRY FROM THE FUTURE: An ode to Zvezdan Reljić and a poetry book launch in Valletta

The third edition of POETRY FROM THE FUTURE is coming up this Tuesday in Valletta – an event that promises to be more than just a gathering for poetry enthusiasts.

The first edition for this new year, scheduled for 9th January at 8pm at Strait Street’s Rumi, is dedicated to honouring the life and legacy of the late Zvezdan Reljić, a remarkable artist, friend, father, and visionary, who contributed greatly to Malta’s artistic community and beyond. 

Zvezdan Reljić, known for his profound contributions to the arts through his handmade books and his publishing house Ede Books, left an indelible mark on the world of poetry. This special edition of POETRY FROM THE FUTURE is inviting poets and admirers of art to celebrate Reljić’s enduring influence through verse. Participants are encouraged to bring their original compositions or to share existing works that resonate with the themes of life, love, and the poignant beauty found in loss.

Miriam Calleja, a revered Maltese poet currently residing in the US and a long-time collaborator of Zvezdan, will be the special guest for this event. She will be reading from her latest poetry chapbook, “Come Closer, I Don’t Mind the Silence” (BottleCap Press), providing attendees with an exclusive glimpse into her new work. Copies of her chapbook will also be available, offering a chance to take home a piece of this memorable night.

The evening will begin with artist-poet Sam Vassallo setting the poetic tone, followed by an open invitation for attendees to share their own poetry. This open mic segment welcomes “poets, punks, and poetry lovers” alike to express their art, drifting in and out of the central theme of the evening. This event is more than a literary gathering; it’s a celebration of the transformative power of poetry and a tribute to a man who believed in the immortality of art. It’s an opportunity to clink glasses, share verses that tug at the heartstrings, and remember how poetry connects us across time and space.

Photo credit: Artwork by Zvezdan Reljić. Design by Julien Vinet.