Each of us, alone on the earth’s heart
pierced by a ray of light:
and suddenly, it’s night.

Translated from the Italian by Angie Vorhies.

Salvatore Quasimodo (1901–1968) was an influential Italian poet known for his profound and lyrical verse. Born in Modica, Sicily, Quasimodo’s work is marked by its emotional intensity and exploration of themes such as existential angst and human suffering. His notable collections include Acque e terre (1941) and Giorno dopo giorno (1960). A key figure in the Hermetic movement, Quasimodo’s poetry often employs a concise, symbolic language that reflects his experiences of war and social upheaval. In 1959, he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature for his innovative contributions to poetry. Quasimodo also had a significant career as a translator and editor.