For those Maltese kids who sat for their O Level exams up until 2013, the name Qawsalla should be a familiar one. Qawsalla was the book containing various poems that we had to study (rounding up to 40 poems and prose pieces for the final exams thank you very much). But now that time has passed and the dust has settled, we’re taking you on a trip down memory lane with 10 of the most famous poems in Qawsalla that you either loved or absolutely loathed. Remember these?
1. Jum ir-Rebh
This poem by Ruzar Briffa is basically a protest against Maltese society and is a harsh criticism towards locals. One of the shorter ones, kids would swiftly learn it and somehow only remember these famous lines: “U il-kotra qamet f’daqqa - u ghajtet: ‘Jien Maltija!’” #Nailedit
2. Tradiment
Another one with a protest theme, Tradiment is about a protest against capitalists who care more about money than the repercussions on the environment. This one made you think but also got a bit tedious to learn.
3. Tifkiriet ta’ Tfuliti
The simplicities of childhood shine bright in this one, and made every student kinda nostalgic and just wishing they’d stay young forever. Karmenu Vassallo’s poem looks back on days gone by.
4. Niftakar
Anton Buttigieg’s (yes, the former president), poem was another mix of emotions, because the first part is all about discovering love and marriage, until the mood instantly changes. The second part is about his wife’s death and his solitude. And literally, all we remember about this poem is “Jien u l-Bahh, il-Bahh u jien.”
6. Lullaby lil Yevgeny
This was a weird one but loved by the examiners. Mario Azzopardi shows his love towards his son in a pretty strange way: wishing he wouldn’t be like him in order for his son to have a better life. Yup – a head-scratcher this one!
7. Mur Orqod Binti
One of my personal faves! This poem by the renowned Oliver Friggieri is all about the love a father has for his daughter. Beautifully written, Friggieri harps on the importance of communication between family, because once family is gone, there’s no going back. Studying this poem left a heavy feel in the classroom, but it was a message everyone needed to hear.
8. Darba Wahda ghad-Dawl tal-Lampa
Tarcisio Zarb introduces old Guzeppa Borg, a resident of Selmun who would be the talk of the classes for the next week (poor Guzi). Guzeppa touches on literally everything in her story and ties to local folklore. She sounded like a bore at first, but then she’d warm up to you and she’d stick with you (until exam day at least).
9. L-Ghajn fil-Misrah
Another one of my personal favourites is L-Ghajn fil-Misrah by Joe Friggieri. The poem takes us back to a time when people would gather in the local square to do their washing. Learning this, every student would ponder and be utterly baffled by it. What do you mean, no washing machine? And thank GOD it was an examiner favourite because it was one of the easier ones to study.
10. Jien Sigra Kbira
It’s all about love for Gorg Borg! The classic love poem is about trust and the ideal relationship between two partners. Everybody eye-rolled hard at this poem, but it was a cute one nonetheless.
If this isn't a throwback, I don't know what is!