Languages News - Italian

My colleague, Justin D’Andrea, and I had the great pleasure to witness Diego receive his first prize award/trophy at the Dante Alighieri Poetry Recitation Awards Ceremony on Thursday 5th October held at the University of Melbourne. Diego, who was accompanied by his very proud parents, was very calm and collected as he walked down to the front of the lecture theatre to receive his award in front of a crowd of officials, students, parents, and grandparents. All first, second and third prize winners were presented with a trophy and a book of poems written by a famous Italian poet but only the first prize winners were then given the opportunity to recite the poem that had won them their place.

Diego confidently and dramatically recited his poem. His passion and his delivery impressed the crowd. One woman even said Diego was her favourite of the night.

Congratulations Diego! You have made us very proud.

Diego received first prize for the Year 11 Non -Italian category with the following poem.

L'INFINITO di Giacomo Leopardi

Sempre caro mi fu quest'ermo colle,

E questa siepe, che da tanta parte

Dell'ultimo orizzonte il guardo esclude.

Ma sedendo e mirando, interminati

Spazi di là da quella, e sovrumani

Silenzi, e profondissima quiete

Io nel pensier mi fingo; ove per poco

Il cor non si spaura. E come il vento

Odo stormir tra queste piante, io quello