Francesco Iannone was born in Salerno in 1985. He has published two collections of poetry: “Poems of Hunger and Thirst” (2011) and “Molten Rock” (2016). His first collection got him Solstizio and L’Aquila literary awards and he became a finalist for Penne and Beppe Manfredi prize. His second collection got City of Subiaco award. His poems are included in anthologies: “Generation of Beginners. Poets born in the 80s” and “Post 900”. Francesco Iannone’s poems have appeared in literary periodicals both in Italy and abroad.

Solitary on the edge
the pale violet has grown
and solitary will perish
as fair as a martyr on her cross.

Tear a petal off of me - she’ll say - unbutton my dress

love will descend
like a scythe in king’s hand
love will jump out of the bucket like an eel escaping her nightmare.