Mero Baze's poetry reveals a different side to the journalist

Tirana, Nov 12, 2024 – Mero Baze, the well-known journalist and publisher of TemA, has recently revealed a lesser-known side to his career—his poetry. In a special event held in Tirana, Baze launched his poetic collection, Muddy Rain, offering the public a glimpse into his personal world. The collection, published by UET Press, brings together poems written over the course of three decades, highlighting a different dimension of his creative journey.

Though best recognized for his work in journalism, Baze shared at the launch that poetry was the true starting point for his career. “Poetry led me to journalism, not the reverse,” Baze explained, speaking to an audience of political, cultural, and literary figures gathered at the Tirana International Hotel to celebrate the book.

Muddy Rain is a compilation of poems from the last 30 years, carefully selected and divided into four chapters by poet Ilirjan Zhupa and literary critic Arben Bllaci. The poems explore themes ranging from childhood memories to love, nostalgia, and loss. But Baze also delves into more complex subjects, such as the mining industry, politics, and life in rural Albania.

For Baze, poetry is not just a creative outlet—it’s a deeply personal expression. His poems, which span a broad emotional spectrum, are reflections on his life and the people and events that have shaped him. Poet Ilirjan Zhupa remarked that the book offers readers an unexpected side of Baze: “This is the Mero Baze you don’t know. Not the public figure or the journalist. You’ll discover the poet, the man behind the pen.”

Baze’s poetry connects him to a long literary tradition in his hometown of Tepelenë, where poets like Agim Shehu and Lirim Deda first paved the way. Zhupa pointed out that Muddy Rain places Baze’s name alongside a new generation of poets who emerged in the 1980s, adding to what’s been called the "Tepelenë school of poetry."

In his introduction, Zhupa described Baze’s poetry as a “hymn of love,” reflecting the delicate balance between life and death, creation and destruction. Baze himself explained that his poems were written not just to express his own emotions, but to resonate with others, offering a chance to connect with life’s deeper truths.

For Baze, Muddy Rain is more than just a poetic collection—it’s a return to something profoundly human. “It’s about touching the heart with words,” he said. “Poetry helps us reconnect with who we are.”

Preç Zogaj, a publicist and poet, also praised Baze’s work, highlighting its ability to engage readers on both intellectual and emotional levels. “This is poetry that speaks directly to the reader, offering a genuine emotional connection,” Zogaj noted. “It’s poetry that doesn’t just entertain but challenges and rewards.”

Baze also took time to reflect on the future of journalism in the age of artificial intelligence. “Journalism is at a crossroads,” he said. “The new generation of journalists is increasingly disconnected from literature and books. That makes them more vulnerable to manipulation. Reading is what distinguishes real journalists from the rest.”

Before closing the event, Baze urged the young journalists in attendance to embrace literature and critical thinking. “Journalism can only thrive if we continue reading and thinking critically. That’s the key to surviving the age of AI,” he concluded.