Year of the Poet XII May 2025

I would like to draw attention to a topic that is not only close to my heart but is also fundamental to our human experience - empathy. Empathy, the ability to understand and share the feelings of another, is often described as the cornerstone of human connection. It is the bridge that allows us truly to connect with one another on a deeply emotional level. In a world that seems to be increasingly divided by differences in opinion, belief, and experience, empathy reminds us that despite our differences, we all experience joy, pain, love, and loss in similar ways.

As a poet, I have always believed in the power of words to evoke emotion, to spark understanding, and to inspire change. Through my poetry, I strive to create moments of connection, where the reader can step into another's shoes and see the world through their eyes. In literature, it's a bridge connecting the reader's heart with the characters' experiences. Through stories, we live countless lives, understanding emotions and situations far removed from our own. When we empathize with a character's plight, we're training our hearts to extend the same understanding to real people. But empathy is not just about understanding someone else's perspective; it is also about taking action. It is about using our understanding to guide our interactions with others, to treat them with kindness, compassion, and respect. One of the most beautiful aspects of empathy is its universality. It transcends language, culture, and ideology, binding us together in a shared experience of humanity. When we extend empathy to others, we not only enrich their lives but also our own.

Empathy is not always easy. It requires us to step outside of ourselves, to set aside our own preconceptions, and to truly listen to what others have to say. It requires courage and a willingness to be uncomfortable. But the rewards of empathy are great. It allows us to form deeper, more meaningful relationships, to foster a sense of belonging and community, and to create a world that is more just, compassionate, and understanding.

As we gather here today, in this beautiful city of Prague, let us recommit ourselves to the practice of empathy. Let us strive to see the humanity in one another, to listen with open hearts and minds, and to act with kindness and compassion. The poet Maya Angelou said: "I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." Let us strive to make others feel seen, heard, and valued, for in doing so, we create a world that is more beautiful, more just, and more empathetic.

In conclusion, literature is not just an escape; it's a mirror reflecting our deepest capacity for empathy. It teaches and inspires us to extend our hand, understanding, and heart to others. Let's continue to read, not just for pleasure, but for empathy, for understanding, for a better world.

Alicja Maria Kuberska