Ndrek Gjini’s poetry is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit

By Dr. Anand Goldsmith

Ndrek Gjini’s poetry is a profound exploration of human experience, blending personal history, philosophical musings, and cultural heritage into a unique poetic voice. Born in Albania and later settling in Ireland, Gjini’s works reflect the duality of his identity as an Albanian exile and an Irish resident. His collections, The Death of Night (2011) and The Invention of Shoes (2019), showcase his ability to traverse themes of displacement, nature, memory, and resilience with linguistic precision and emotional depth.

The Death of Night: A Poetic Journey Through Displacement and Hope

Gjini’s debut English-language collection, The Death of Night, is a poignant meditation on exile and the search for self. Written after his move to Ireland, the poems are imbued with a sense of geographic dislocation and cultural adaptation. The title poem encapsulates the tension between light and darkness, symbolizing hope amidst despair: “Neon lights on the roads and squares / are like bandages on its injured body.” This striking imagery reflects Gjini’s ability to weave personal pain with broader existential concerns. A recurring theme in this collection is the poet’s grappling with his past under Albania’s communist regime. In Graveyard, he mourns the suppression of free expression: “Some [metaphors] committed suicide because of fear / and some other ones lay there with cut-off oesophagi / from some bloody scissors in the hands of heartless-communist editors.” Such lines resonate with the anguish of a writer whose creativity was stifled by political oppression. Despite its somber undertones, The Death of Night is ultimately hopeful. In War Against Doubt, Gjini writes, “Every time we believe / we extend our lives a little bit,” affirming his faith in human resilience. The collection concludes on an uplifting note: “Yet as long as more bridges / are being built than destroyed / love prevails over hate.” These lines underscore Gjini’s belief in the transformative power of hope and connection.

The Invention of Shoes: A Philosophical Reflection on Humanity

Gjini’s second collection, The Invention of Shoes, delves deeper into philosophical and ecological themes. The title poem critiques humanity’s estrangement from nature through the metaphor of shoes: “This damning invention – with its tenderness, / seduced human feet so much / as to make us not to feel the craving / for fervent kisses of the earth.” This powerful imagery encapsulates Gjini’s concern for the environment and humanity’s disconnection from its roots.The poet’s Albanian heritage is evident throughout this collection. Poems such as Memories from the War in Winter and The Balkan View offer glimpses into the struggles faced by people in the Balkans, blending historical reflection with personal memory. In The Train of My Life, Gjini recounts his journey from Albania to Ireland: “This train passed through many/strange countries and cities, / regretful, unable to enjoy / the thrills and luxury that those places held.” These lines poignantly capture the bittersweet experience of migration—marked by both opportunity and loss. Gjini also exhibits a playful yet profound approach to everyday objects. In Letter to Nobel Prize Committee, he humorously suggests awarding the Nobel Peace Prize to “The Chair,” writing, “For thousands of years, / it endured the oppression of buttocks / and never complained.” This lighthearted piece demonstrates Gjini’s ability to find meaning in mundane subjects while maintaining a philosophical lens.

Themes of Family and Memory

Family plays a central role in Gjini’s poetry. In The Most Beautiful Lady, he reflects on an Albanian custom where wedding clothes are preserved until worn again upon death. This tender tribute to his mother reveals Gjini’s deep respect for tradition and familial bonds. Similarly, in Calendar, he recalls his grandmother’s storytelling, blending folklore with personal history.Loss is another recurring motif. In How To Read The Wind, Gjini describes his mother’s last breath becoming wind: “Her last breath became wind, / and it’s blowing wild / on this November day.” Such lines exemplify his ability to merge metaphysical concepts with tangible imagery, creating deeply moving poetic experiences.

A Voice Rooted in Two Worlds

Writing in English—his second language—Gjini enriches contemporary poetry with perspectives shaped by his Albanian roots and Irish experiences. His work resonates with universal themes while retaining a distinct cultural identity. Critics have lauded his linguistic mastery; Dr. Emily Cullen notes that Gjini “condenses his experiences…weighing words in an adopted vocabulary [to] bestow a vibrant freshness on [his] poems.”Gjini’s poetry also reflects his commitment to justice, peace, and ecological awareness. In Geography Teacher, he warns against environmental destruction: “We are these little worms / crunching the planet / every day with our cruelty.” This urgent plea underscores Gjini’s role as both poet and advocate for change.

Bridging cultural divides

Ndrek Gjini’s poetry is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. His collections—The Death of Night and The Invention of Shoes—offer profound insights into themes of displacement, memory, nature, and hope. Whether reflecting on personal loss or critiquing societal flaws, Gjini writes with clarity, compassion, and philosophical depth. Through evocative imagery and lyrical precision, Gjini invites readers into a world where past and present converge—a world shaped by both Albanian mountains and Irish shores. His work not only enriches English-language poetry but also bridges cultural divides, making him a vital voice in contemporary literature.