The name Gino Leineweber is well known in international literary circles, not only for his profound poetic works but also for his tireless dedication to promoting intercultural dialogue through literature. Based in Hamburg, Germany, Leineweber is a poet, essayist, translator, and editor, involved in numerous projects that bring together voices from around the world. He has served as President of the German Haiku Society and remains an active participant in many international poetry festivals.
Through the international anthologies he coordinates or inspires, Gino Leineweber builds bridges between continents, poetic styles, and cultural mindsets. His most recent and notable editorial project is the compelling anthology:
Language of Water – An International Poetic Symphony
Recently published in Hamburg, the anthology Language of Water brings together 62 poets from 24 countries, offering a sweeping overview of contemporary poetry on the theme of water – a universal and deeply symbolic element.
Each poet explores their personal relationship with the “language of water,” shaped by unique cultural, geographical, and emotional backgrounds. In this context, water becomes a symbol of memory, purification, distance, or connection – a poetic thread weaving together human sensibilities from different corners of the world.
A Poetic Map of the World
The volume features poets from
Germany, Romania, Belgium, USA, Spain, Saudi Arabia, Poland, Greece, Kenya, Italy, Serbia, Turkey, Iran, Bosnia, India, Kurdistan, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Mongolia, Uruguay, Canada, Malaysia, China, and Albania – forming a true poetic map of the globe, with Romania holding a meaningful place among them.
Romania – A Distinct Voice in the Global Choir
Romania is proudly represented in the anthology by poets Dorel Cosma and Zorin Diaconescu, each contributing powerful, evocative texts in Romanian, accompanied by English translations. Their poems reflect a lyrical universe rooted in memory and introspection, where water becomes a bridge between identity and reflection. Their inclusion highlights the openness of contemporary Romanian literature to global dialogue.
Editorial Structure and Concept
The anthology follows a bilingual format: each poet is published in their native language alongside an English translation. This approach maintains the cultural authenticity of each voice while ensuring accessibility for an international readership – a thoughtful editorial choice that blends intimacy with universality.
More Than a Book – A Community of Poets
Many of the contributors are writers, translators, university professors, or cultural journalists, and some have met at previous international literary events, where they exchanged ideas, perspectives, and friendships. Thus, Language of Water is more than just a collection – it is a community of voices, a spiritual network in which poetic expression transcends borders, languages, and ideologies.
Conclusion
Language of Water is a remarkable anthology that proves poetry remains a vital form of cultural resilience and global solidarity. Through the voices of 62 poets, the book offers a fluid and diverse reading experience, where water becomes the universal symbol of humanity – sometimes pure, sometimes troubled, yet always present and essential.
This ambitious editorial project stands out for its aesthetic depth and symbolic resonance, bringing together sensitivities from across the world and contributing to a better understanding of cultures through the power of poetry.
A necessary volume – for today’s readers and for the literary memory of tomorrow.
Dorel Cosma
BC Media.ro
