Tariel Chanturia, born in 1932, graduated from the Journalism Department of Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi University in 1956. His first poetry collection, ‘Attraction,’ debuted in 1964, marking the start of his notable career.
Chanturia quickly gained acclaim for his bold experimentation with language and verse forms, using irony, grotesque imagery, parody, and slang to engage readers. His notable works include ‘The Swings’ (1965), ‘Stone and War’ (1967), ‘The New Moon’ (1970), ‘The Two’ (1972), ‘Shredded Serpentine’ (1973), ‘The Year of a Calm Sun’ (1975), ‘The Honeymoon Century’ (1978), ‘Long Poems’ (1979), ‘Stresses and Words’ (1980), ‘The Selected’ (1982), ‘The Writer’s Red Book’ (1985), ‘The Colchis Capriccio’ (Merani, 1988), and ‘The Honeymoon Century – 2’ (2002).
In addition to poetry, Chanturia is recognized for his contributions to children’s literature, critical essays, and translations, which have earned him international acclaim with translations of his poetry into numerous languages.
Sameba
Suddenly the cathedral
Appeared and instantly,
Everything in space
Disappeared.
There stood only
This wonder – ,
Silent, wise and
Tall – god!
I wished to look
At it – and it at me!
I didn’t want anything
More!
* * *
Poet’s life –
Is catastrophe!
Divided into a thousand
Strophes!
* * *
Though the call
Of my soul,
Long ago, has been
Closed,
I hope, somebody
Whenever, will look into
It close!
***
A NOTE FROM THE EDITOR: It is with deep regret that we inform our readers that Ketevan Tukhareli, the talented translator of the many poets we have shared in GEORGIA TODAY over the past six months, passed away on July 6. We thank her for enlightening us and sharing with us this legacy of Georgian culture. RIP Ketevan.
Translated from Georgian into English by Ketevan Tukhareli
