Sometimes our most fragile moments create the ideal conditions for creativity to take root and flourish. And indeed ix-xita tinżel rasha 'l isfel, Francesco Grech's second poetry collection recently published by Merlin Publishers, is a book that for the author represents healing and recovery after a period of change.

This latest work by the Gozitan poet was "born from emptiness, from a false smile, from a love that hurts", and each poem is an attempt by the author to reconnect with parts of himself he had lost. In ix-xita tinżel rasha 'l isfel Grech explores vulnerability and fragility, love and the loss of love towards himself and others, and how nature helps him find his roots anew.

Grech is an author, composer and cultural strategist whose work spans various fields including theatre and music. In 2022 he launched his first book kollox jeħel magħna (Merlin Publishers) to such success that it has already sold out. Beyond his artistic work, Grech is active in cultural policy and leads the literature sector within MEIA. He also forms part of the artistic team working on Gozo's bid to become European Capital of Culture 2031.

ix-xita tinżel rasha 'l isfel was launched at an atmospheric event on Friday, 23 May at the Msida Bastion Historic Garden, where pages and seeds, the setting sun and graves, a cool breeze and a glass of wine, created the perfect backdrop for a sincere conversation between two dear friends. In a warm exchange with his lifetime friend, journalist and presenter Mark Laurence Zammit, Grech shared with the audience the inspiration and creative process that brought these verses to life. He explained that the book presents death as life, observing how rain falls down headfirst so that later, flowers can rise head up. The evening also featured established author Leanne Ellul, who dialogued with Grech's writing through her own poetry, as well as Elyse Tonna, a curator active on the Maltese art scene, who shared her experience in relation to Grech's work.

While with his first book kollox jeħel magħna Grech unveiled his literary potential, the new collection ix-xita tinżel rasha 'l isfel highlights an artistic maturity born from life's raw experiences. As the author himself explains, "the poems in this book speak not only through their words, but through their form as well - sometimes they fall like rain, line after line; others circle like the vices we fall into again and again. Writing becomes movement: between falling and rising, between an ending and a beginning that starts again".

The book's striking cover, designed by artist Pierre Portelli, presents a realistic image of fresh raindrops on a green surface, powerfully expressing the book's central metaphor. The design reflects the themes of fragility and renewal, with the raindrops creating a sense of intimacy and reflection while inviting readers to enter this space of vulnerability and healing.

While building on the creative foundation established with kollox jeħel magħna, this new book offers an intimate look at the universal themes of fragility and resilience. In the author's words, "I want this book to become a companion - a book unashamed of shattered pieces, snapped branches and torn roots. A book that speaks in waves, in darkness, in blood". There is no doubt that ix-xita tinżel rasha 'l isfel claims a worthy place on the shelves of contemporary Maltese poetry.