The Italian poems are among Davíð Stefánsson's best-known and most popular poems. Who doesn't know Katarína and has heard of Capri, the Blue Cave and the tarantella dance? Tína Rondóni has also impressed many of us. David says in the poem that he loves both her and her Umbrian wine, and he misses her and the church bells in Assisi when he returns home.

 

I call your name,and the night will be warm.I hear the bells ringingfrom a church in Assisi.

 

His trip to Italy, in the winter of 1920-21, had a great and lasting effect on the poet. And in Assisi, where the bells ring, he met Saint Francis and was fascinated by his teachings. In a letter to his friend, Björn Oddsson, he writes: "I don't remember if I have told you about my stay in Assisi. Let's start there. I have felt the best there in my entire life. It is a divine town."

 

Last January, Valgerður decided to visit Assisi and get to know this holy town, which the poet never forgot. In this program she tells stories about David's travels in Italy and especially Assisi and reads from his poems and other writings and shows pictures.

 

Valgerður H. Bjarnadóttir grew up with Davíð's poems and other works, like thousands of other Icelanders. She read them, studied them and developed strong bonds with some of them. She played the role of hostess in David's house for several summers and then immersed herself again in this world of love, history, faith, adventure and suffering, which few people have managed to paint in as strong colors as David. Valgerður is a social worker with an MA in religious philosophy and cultural history.

 

The program is part of the Akureyri Academy's series of events this year for residents of the nursing homes and other residents of the town. KEA's Culture and Recognition Fund supports the event.

 

All welcome!