Tariel Chanturia was born in 1932 and graduated from the Journalism Department of Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi University in 1956. He made his debut as a poet in 1964 with his first collection, ‘Attraction,’ which marked the beginning of his successful career.
Chanturia quickly gained recognition for his bold and innovative use of language and verse forms. He incorporated irony, grotesque imagery, parody, and slang into his works, captivating readers with his unique style. Some of his notable works include ‘The Swings’ (1965), ‘Stone and War‘ (1967), ‘The New Moon‘ (1970), ‘The Two’ (1972), ‘Shredded Serpentine’ (1973), ‘The Year of a Calm Sun’ (1975), ‘The Honeymoon Century’ (1978), ‘Long Poems’ (1979), ‘Stresses and Words’ (1980), ‘The Selected’ (1982), ‘The Writer’s Red Book’ (1985), ‘The Colchis Capriccio’ (Merani, 1988), and ‘The Honeymoon Century – 2’ (2002).
Aside from his poetry, Chanturia also made significant contributions to children’s literature, critical essays, and translations. His works have been translated into numerous languages, earning him international acclaim.
Chanturia’s life as a poet can be described as a constant struggle, divided into a thousand strophes. Despite this, he remained dedicated to his craft, hoping that someone, someday, will take a closer look at his work.
* * *
The cathedral of Sameba
Appeared suddenly,
And in an instant,
Everything else vanished.
There stood only
This wonder – silent, wise, and tall – a god!
I wanted to look at it, and it at me.
I wanted nothing more.
* * *
A poet’s life
Is a catastrophe,
Divided into a thousand strophes.
* * *
Though the call
Of my soul has long been silenced,
I hope that someone,
Somewhere, will still take a closer look.
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