I saw an entire forest of willows/ All bent at the behest of the harsh wind/ I even saw a single pine tree on the mountaintop/ Burnt by lightning, but upright!” (“A forest of willows and a single pine tree”, excerpted from “The Awakening of the Depths”, Xhevahir Spahiu).

The 80th anniversary of the birth of the poet Xhevahir Spahiu was marked with a conference at the Academy of Sciences. The scholars present focused on the features of Spahiu's verses, which he lived and created in two periods, noting his literary awareness, metaphors and overcoming the method of socialist realism that shaped the form and content of Albanian literature for many decades.

Gëzim Hoxha, from the Academy of Sciences, said that "Spahiu played a vital role in shaping modern Albanian literature by giving voice and face to an entire poetic generation after the 1970s. He became well-known for his impressive poetic images, sharp social criticism and deep resonance of his lyrics, which still shine today."

Next, researcher Bashkim Kuçuku focused on the fusion between character and talent, when he said that "Spahiu is one of those writers, citizens and permanent activists who has a lot of material on his life. Xhevahir Spahiu's life has been a race towards poetry, and a race towards justice, a race towards justice in life and a race towards justice and justice in poetry."

Years ago, health complications denied Spahiu expression, but he is still present at literary meetings for him and other writers, following the footsteps of literature and supporting the voices, colors, and attitudes that the minds of intellectuals bring.

"They said to the word: now you are free!
But words had no power to tell them: I don't need it!
And what do I need,
When didn't I say it then when should I?
I am left without wings.
I am left without sky.
I am a life without a dream.
I am a lifeless dream.
They said to the word: you are free:
"Hardly," said the word, "how hard!"