A mio Padre

E ti rivedo,
con le mani nodose,
i fili d’argento tra i capelli,
e le rughe profonde
che segnano il viso.

E semini grano.
Con la schiena china,
spargi i chicchi dorati,
oro di vita.

Ti chiedo:
“Semini un tesoro?”
Mi guardi e sorridi,
e con amore mi rispondi:

“La cosa più bella
che ho seminato in tutta la vita
sei tu, figliolo.

Onori tuo padre,
e se sbagli,
mi chiedi perdono.”

Zaira Sellerio

To my Father

And I see you again,
with your gnarled hands,
the silver threads in your hair
and the deep wrinkles
that mark your face.

And you sow wheat.
With your back bent,
you scatter the golden grains,
gold of life.

I ask you:
‘Do you seed a treasure?’
You look at me and smile,
and with love you answer me:

‘The most beautiful thing
that I have sown in all my life
is you, my son.

You honour your father,
and if you make a mistake,
you ask my forgiveness.’

Zaira Sellerio

Review

This poem by Zaira Sellerio is a touching tribute to the father figure, described with simple but profound images that evoke wisdom, sacrifice and unconditional love. Through the image of the father sowing wheat, the author draws a parallel with the most precious gift a parent can offer: life itself, together with the growth and education of a child.

The delicacy with which the bond between father and son is recounted makes these verses perfect for Father’s Day, a celebration that is not only about affection, but also about gratitude for the values transmitted over time. The tone is sweet and nostalgic, enriched by a moving closing that emphasises the sense of responsibility and forgiveness, fundamental pillars of the parental relationship.

This poem is an invitation to reflect on the emotional legacy left by fathers, reminding us that the real treasure a man can sow is love for his children.

Father’s Day

Father’s Day is celebrated on 19 March in many countries of Catholic tradition, as it coincides with the feast day of St Joseph, the putative father of Jesus and symbol of humility and family dedication. This holiday is a special occasion to express gratitude and affection towards fathers, recognising their fundamental role in the family and society.

In Christian countries, the date of Father’s Day varies according to local traditions. In Switzerland, for example, the holiday is not celebrated on a single national date: in Catholic cantons, such as Canton Ticino or Canton Schwyz, it is celebrated on 19 March, while in other regions it may be celebrated on the first Sunday in June.

In Spain, Portugal and Italy, the celebration of 19 March is closely linked to the figure of St Joseph and is often accompanied by religious and culinary traditions, such as the typical sweets prepared in his honour. In Anglo-Saxon countries and many nations of Protestant tradition, on the other hand, Father’s Day is celebrated on the third Sunday in June, a date chosen in the United States at the beginning of the 20th century and then spread to many other parts of the world.

Regardless of the date, Father’s Day is a time to reflect on the importance of the father figure, an occasion to thank fathers for their love, commitment and the values they pass on to their children.

La vittoria dell’aglio e della cipolla – The garlic and onion victory

Some recognitions for her works

• National Poetry Award “Arturo Massimi” in October 1999 in Mentana – Rome.
• Plaque for the Narrative Award at the International Competition “Pelosa” in Messina, November 2000.
• Poetry Plaque in October 2000 awarded by the Province of Rome.
• International Competition “Antonio de Curtis” in Rome.
• Poets and Society Award, Swiss German Delegation (international competition, honorable mention).
• Unpublished Poetry Award, 5th Edition of the “Premio/l’attualità – Bartolucci”, finalist diploma, October 27, 2001.
• International Artistic-Literary Competition, Antonio de Curtis “Totò”, Rome, October 22, 2002.
• ALIAS (Academy of Italian-Australian Literature and Writers, in collaboration with C.R.A.S.E.S. in Palermo).
• International Literary Competition, 3rd Prize ex aequo for Poetry, October 10, 2003.
• First Poetry Prize at the Gallery “Il Salotto dell’Arte”, Rome, March 22, 2009.
• “Premio Una Vita per la Cultura”, Galleria Salotto dell’Arte, Rome.
• 2014 – IV International Literary Award Europe for the novel (Dal Profondo del Cuore) – May 11, 2014, Lugano.
• II Navarro Prize for the novel (Dal Profondo del Cuore), May 13, 2018, in Sambuca di Sicilia, Sicily.
• Special Award “Lilly Broggi – La Pergola Arte” for the novel (Dal Profondo del Cuore), Florence, October 27, 2018.
• V Prize for the novel (Dal Profondo del Cuore) at Versilia Club’s “Massa Città Fiabesca di Mare e di Marmo”, September 28, 2019.
• 1st International Prize dedicated to the feminine universe “Donne d’Amore” V. Barrett, Poetry Section (Sui Gradini di Piazza di Spagna).
• 1st Prize for the Literature – Novel category for the work (Il Coraggio è Femmina), Rome, May 22, 2023.
• Poetry Award “Ai Tuoi Piedi” in the city of Mercogliano (AV) for the poem (E là incontrai mia Madre), September 8, 2024.