Ernest Bryll, a multifaceted artist renowned for his poetry, prose, and diplomatic endeavors, posthumously received the Poem of the Year 2024 award from the Catholic Writers Association. His acclaimed piece, “I Pray as if I Were Clawing the Earth,” resonated deeply with the judges, reflecting Bryll’s literary prowess and personal depth.
A Legacy of Literary Excellence
Bryll, a prolific figure in Polish literature, debuted in 1958 with “Wigilie wariata” and went on to publish nearly 40 volumes of poetry, including works like “Autoportret z bykiem” and “Mazowsze.” His repertoire extended beyond poetry, encompassing plays such as “Rzecz listopadowa” and “Kurdesz,” showcasing his versatility as a writer.
Throughout his illustrious career, Bryll garnered numerous accolades, including the Red Rose Award, the W. Broniewski Award for Poetry, and the Medal Per Artem ad Deum. His contributions to cultural dialogue earned him the Order of the Irish Royal House of O’Conor and the Commander’s Cross of the Order of Polonia Restituta.
Celebrating Poetry’s Power
The Poem of the Year award, presented annually on March 21st in celebration of World Poetry Day, honors works that excel artistically, humanistically, and within the Catholic tradition. Bryll’s winning poem stands as a testament to the enduring power of poetry to capture the essence of the human experience and transcend boundaries.