There is nothing more powerful than hope
Excerpt from “Art, Faith and Hope”, Stefania Lucchetti, Coffee Stains on My Books, 2024
Buy the book to read the whole poem
In the photo: the author at Teatro alla Scala
“Art, Faith, and Hope” is a poetic reflection on the transformative power of hope and how this force intertwines with art, faith, and magic.
Hope is not a passive feeling but an act of creation, connection, and profound expression. It manifests in the artistic sensitivity of moments when the spirit rises above material concerns, leaving effects that endure over time, creating the magic of transformation.
The aesthetic sense we experience in a context where art elevates our senses—such as often happens during the Christmas season—emphasizes hope, creating the magic of spiritual upliftment.
Art represents hope made tangible, faith renders it spiritual and intimate, and the hope that arises creates a sense of mystery and boundless possibilities.
When art, faith, and hope merge, they become something sacred, like a prayer. Prayer here is not meant solely as a religious ritual but as a profound form of connection with the universe—a channel linking human inner life to something greater.
The magic of life, that spark that guides and sustains us, is fueled by these elements. At its core, art, faith, and hope are magical acts in themselves, ways in which humanity can create, transform themselves and their environment, and endure difficulties.
This is the final newsletter before the Christmas holidays, and with it, I wish all of you, dear readers, a wonderful festive season. I also hope that the verses included in my book can keep you company during this special time.
“Hope” by Emily Dickinson
December 10 marks the birth date of beloved poet Emily Dickinson. I celebrate her by translating in Italian and interpreting her poem “Hope”.
In this video, I read Emily Dickinson’s poem “Hope” alongside my Italian translation:
Emily Dickinson’s Poem:
“When I hoped, I recollect
Just the place I stood –
At a Window facing West –
Roughest Air – was good –
Not a Sleet could bite me –
Not a frost could cool –
Hope it was that kept me warm –
Not Merino shawl –
When I feared –
I recollect Just the Day it was.”
Translated in Italian by Stefania Lucchetti:
Translation and interpretation by Stefania Lucchetti
The poem in my interpretation plays on the double meaning of the word “just”. The author remembers “just” (intended as “perfectly”, “with clarity”) the day she hoped and all its details, and conversely I remembers “just” (intended as “only”) the day she feared.
“Quando sperai ricordo
Precisamente il luogo dove stavo –
A una finestra rivolta verso Ovest –
L’aria più tagliente – era buona –
Il nevischio non poteva mordermi –
Il gelo non poteva raffreddarmi –
Era la speranza a tenermi calda –
Non lo scialle di Merino –
Quando temetti – mi ricordo
Soltanto il Giorno che fu.”
Interviews
I had the privilege of being interviewed by the wonderful team at StoryTime, Radio Canale Italia, where I spoke about my book, and the role of poetry in the contemporary world. The interview will be soon available on video, but for now it is possible to listen to it on Spotify. The interview is in Italian but if you wish to have a translation of the transcript in English let me know and I will send it to you.
I also share some backstage photos of the TV interview recording in Rome on 14 December for Se Scrivendo, which will be aired in a few weeks, where I will discuss the role of poetry in the modern world.
Prizes received
All the prizes received this year for my book Coffee Stains On My Books
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