Lorenzo Pataro, the talented young poet from Calabria, passed away unexpectedly on February 19, 2025, at the age of 27. His sudden death shocked friends, family, and the literary community, leaving many mourning the loss of such promising talent. Pataro, born in Castrovillari and raised in Laino Borgo, province of Cosenza, had emerged as one of the compelling voices of contemporary Italian poetry.
Though his life was brief, Pataro had already made significant contributions to the literary scene. He published several collections of poetry, including "Bruciare la sete" (2018) and "Amuleti" (2022), which gained him national attention. The latter work was particularly noteworthy as it was nominated for the prestigious Premio Strega Poesia and reached the finals for the Premio Pontedilegno Poesia 2024. Critics praised "Amuleti" not just for its artistry, but also for its deep connection to his native Calabria, where he found inspiration for much of his work.
Pataro's poems often wove themes of melancholy and hope, appealing to the hearts of his readers. His writing was marked by introspection and imagery tightly linked to his surroundings. One of his works described the beauty and complexity of returning to the earth, evoking feelings of nostalgia and continuity with the past.
On social media, fellow poet Franco Arminio expressed his devastation at the news, recalling their last correspondence where Pataro shared his latest unpublished works. Reflecting on their connection, Arminio wrote, “It is shocking to wake up at four in the morning and learn on Facebook about the death of a 27-year-old poet. Lorenzo Pataro. I had just sent him some poems I had written nights ago and on February 16, he sent me an email with his beautiful unpublished poems. I will continue my commitment for him.”
Pataro had only recently attained his degree, first earning his qualifications in Modern Literature and then Modern Philology at the University of Salerno. His work reached audiences far beyond local circles, with poetry published in significant outlets such as "La Repubblica," and various blogs and magazines dedicated to contemporary poetry.
His collection “Amuleti” had been met with acclaim from notable publications such as "Corriere della Sera," "Il Sole 24 ore," and others, emphasizing the high regard his peers held for him. Renowned poet Elio Pecora, who provided the preface for “Amuleti,” remembered Pataro fondly, expressing sorrow over his untimely passing and acknowledging the tremendous potential he represented for Italian literature.
Pataro was noted not only for his literary accomplishments but also for his gentle demeanor. Colleagues described him as reflective and reserved, whose humility marked his interactions with others. Giuseppe Grattacaso, another poet and jurist for the Pontedilegno Poesia, extended his condolences and praised Pataro’s unique contributions to poetry. “His departure leaves everyone who knew him engulfed in deep sorrow. I recall him with tremendous affection and admiration for his verses,” he mentioned.
He won several prestigious awards during his short career, highlighting the depth and quality of his work, including "Ossi di Seppia" (2021) and "Ritratti di poesia" (2023). His accolades showcase not just the impact of his writing, but the motif of resilience captured within it.
After holding his funeral ceremony at the Beato Pietro Paolo Navarro square in Laino Borgo, many gathered to pay their respects. The local community, alongside fellow poets and friends, reflected on his life and the indelible mark he left on those who encountered his words.
Lorenzo Pataro's voice echoed the sentiments of his generation, illuminating experiences of love, loss, and identity through the art of poetry. His legacy will continue through his written words, forever preserved for readers and future generations to discover. Despite his brief time on earth, the ripples of his creativity will undoubtedly endure within the literary fabric of Italy.
The intellect and sensitivity Lorenzo Pataro embodied testifies to the power of poetry as both personal expression and cultural commentary. His poetry, rich with emotion and insight, captures not just the essence of Calabria but resonates with universal themes of the human experience.