Andorran Poet Manel Gibert Contributes Haikus to Iberoamérica Lee Anthology

Manel Gibert, a prominent Andorran poet known for his linguistic experimentation, has contributed four haikus to the third edition of *Iberoamérica Lee*, an anthology showcasing poetry from authors across the Organization of Ibero-American States (OEI). This year's collection targets young readers, featuring works by contemporary writers from around 30 countries alongside classics like Rubén Darío and Óscar Alfaro.

Gibert's selections—two from *A l'ombra del solstici* and two from *Al sol que bat la penya*, his two most recent collections—include illustrations by Sergi Mas and Loli Rodríguez. The poet represents Andorra in the project, which emphasizes current vocabulary and references to engage children.

The contribution sparked a conversation at Moby Dick, a popular bookshop in Andorra's Alzinaret neighbourhood run by Frédéric. There, the owner showcased works by French author Georges Perec, including *La Disparition*—a novel written without using any vowels except 'e'—and *Les Revenantes*, its counterpart limited to 'e' alone. Both lipograms, a longstanding literary constraint excluding specific letters, are available at the shop alongside affordable French paperbacks.

Gibert stands out among local poets, alongside figures like Arnau Orobitg, for his affinity for verbal craftsmanship. The piece highlights other Catalan linguistic feats, such as Pere Quart's monosyllabic *Tirallonga*, Esther Tusquets' punctuation-free *El mismo mar de todos los veranos*, and Isidre Domenjó's collection of Pirenaic monosyllables on his radio show *Som de poc*.

Gibert calls for stronger emphasis on literature and poetry in Andorran schools, noting that early enthusiasm often fades as students advance. He acknowledges the high quality of some contemporary Catalan pop lyricists as an entry point but urges reinforcement through traditional methods. Three years after his latest collection, *La volàtil substància de cada bell crepuscle*, he is preparing a new one blending metered verse, free verse, prose poetry, personal reflections, and metapoetry—perhaps even an Andorran lipogram.