When the tomorrow
comes as a light at first,
and in the dark the darkness burns,
it explodes in flower loops
your soul.
Without seeing,
without waiting!
This autumn
shares fruit scent,
even though the type is pushing towards winter,
the leaves fall,
when the loops are ready to be born.
Without seeing,
without waiting!
I touch this autumn,
it burns my hand
and the day becomes sad.
When I smell
I feel a spring breeze.
Without seeing,
without waiting!

Nikollë Loka was born in Mirdita on March 25, 1960; graduated as a teacher at Luigj Gurakuqi University of Shkodra; master’s degree in pedagogy at the University of Tirana, doctorate in history of education at the University of Tirana. Author of ten poetic volumes in Albanian and three poetic volumes in Italian (two of which with co-authors); included in the anthology “La Poesie contemporaine albanaise”, “L’Hartmattan” publications, Paris 2024. In addition to Albanian, his poems have been published in Italian, English, French, German, Arabic, Romanian, Swedish and Macedonian. Winner of several literary awards in the country and abroad. Included in the Lexicon of Albanian writers 1501-2001, editions “Faik Konica”, Pristina 2003 and in the Encyclopedia of Italian language poets, “Aletti Editore” Rome 2021.

You can find more of Nikollë’s work here on Ink Pantry.