On the Passing of Sarrighini

This piece reflects on the passing of the poet Mohamed Sarrighini, a figure whose work inspired both admiration and a sense of awe in the author. The author confesses to having always felt a profound respect, bordering on trepidation, when approaching Sarrighini's "book."

This apprehension stemmed from the perceived depth and complexity of Sarrighini's poetic universe, which the author felt was hidden, existing "between shadow and sun." There was a fear of being exposed as inadequate or ignorant when confronted with the richness of his language and the intellectual rigor embedded within his verses. The author felt that to approach Sarrighini's work was to risk revealing their own "foolishness and ignorance."

Sarrighini's linguistic craftsmanship and the profound knowledge contained within his poetry are highlighted. The author describes the "linguistic architecture" and the "intellectual thorn" hidden within the "velvet" of his evocative style. This style is further characterized by emotional depth, spiritual insights, and a powerful, almost wild, imagery, likened to "white cubs, spotted leopards, and tawny lionesses."