Daniela Attanasio on Poetry, Prizes, and Her Latest Collection 'Vivi al mondo'

In an interview with Artribune, poet Daniela Attanasio (Rome, 1947) discusses her latest book 'Vivi al mondo', published in December 2023 by Vallecchi, which is currently shortlisted for the Strega Poetry Prize. Attanasio reflects on her classical style, noting that she does not consciously adhere to any particular tradition but acknowledges the influence of her readings, which rarely include experimental poetry. She expresses surprise at being invited to a conference on Andrea Zanzotto at the University of Siena, as she feels little stylistic connection to him, yet she found her own writing on him to be beautiful. Attanasio believes poetry should have no limits and that poets should embrace all perceptions from reality; she is currently enjoying writing trivial, ironic pieces. She reads her poems aloud, a habit from childhood, and finds that poetry, like Emily Dickinson's, acts as an 'aspirin' for her well-being. Regarding prizes, she welcomes recognition and the financial support they bring, stating she would be happy to win the Strega Prize. She distinguishes poetry from prose by its fractured, non-linear nature, comparing it to Leopardi's 'L'Infinito', which captures fragments of life. The interview was conducted by Maria Oppo.