RACCOLTA DI POESIE A PIEDI NUDI NELL’ANIMA DI ANNA PIA MERICO

Even in autumn, cultural events continue that have already richly animated the summer season at The House of Artists in Gallipoli, the museum residence created by Giorgio De Cesario, an architect, artist, and designer. This space hosts exhibitions and cultural events of various kinds, even on an international level. It is precisely in these exhibition spaces and among the artist's works that the presentation of the latest literary work by the Salento poet and writer Anna Pia Merico will take place on Saturday, November 15th at 6:00 PM. This marks her third publication.

Just over a year after the release of her book of short stories "Davanti a una tazzina di caffè," which brought her great satisfaction, including winning the F-Section, Published Fiction Book, at the Vitruvio Le Muse 2025 award with the ceremony held on September 20th at the University of Salento's Rectorship in Lecce, Anna Pia Merico decided to let her numerous poems, still lying in the drawer, see the light. This is how this collection, consisting of 162 poems and curated by Pasquale Cavalera's Storie di Libri, titled "Barefoot in the Soul," was born. The collection alternates between brief and simple verses and longer, more elaborate but still flowing ones; the themes range from naturalistic and bucolic ones to those dedicated to love, finally reaching memories and current events.

The title "Barefoot in the Soul" is an invitation to pause and engage with the deepest part of oneself, continuously working on introspection in an attempt to know and understand the most intimate aspects of life itself. For this reason, the word "soul" frequently recurs in the verses, almost becoming a mantra, a warning, a message of love for oneself and others.
The cover, which features a painting by the Salento painter Patrizia Chiriacò, echoes the spirituality of the title with its ethereal hues and colors.

In conversation with the author will be the poet and writer Luigina Parisi, who states in the preface: "I appreciate Anna Pia's <>. Her verses are a salvific and exploratory rite, a journey on a double track: on one side the attentive observation of reality (sky, sea, land), and on the other the deep exploration of emotional and spiritual life. This process is not an escape but a cathartic journey that allows the author to discover and embrace her most authentic essence.

Thus, poetry becomes a guide, a map to navigate the turmoil of the world and reclaim inner peace. A delicate and touching work that teaches us to walk barefoot, listening to our hearts, so we can find ourselves whole and capable of love."

Therefore, we look forward to embarking on this exciting journey in poetry, barefoot in the soul, perhaps engaging in stimulating interaction with the audience, who will receive a personalized dedication copy.

The event was also organized with the courteous collaboration of CittadinanzAttiva, Gallipoli assembly.
Web: www.lacasadegliartisti.it