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Memorial Stone for Poet P. Širvys

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Poet Paulius Širvys (1920–1979) is one of Lithuania's most distinguished lyricists. Born in Padustėlis village, Zarasai district, he spent his childhood in Degučiai village, Rokiškis district. His birthplace is marked by a memorial stone, and in Aleksandravėlė, where he began his education, a sculpture has been erected in his honor. Širvys began his literary journey in the Rokiškis district while working at the Tarybinis Rokiškis newspaper, where his first poems—reflecting the struggles of the post-war period—were published. Known for his emotional and heartfelt poetry, his works capture life’s challenges, personal experiences, and the spirit of Lithuania.

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Paulius Širvys (1920–1979) was a renowned Lithuanian poet whose roots trace back to Padustėlis in Zarasai district, though he grew up in Degučiai, Rokiškis district, where his family owned a farm. Today, his birthplace is marked by a memorial stone, and a sculpture commemorating him stands in Aleksandravėlė, where he started his schooling. Although the school named after him no longer exists, the people of Aleksandravėlė have preserved his memory. In 1940, Širvys graduated from the Salos Agricultural School. After World War II, he worked at the Rokiškis district’s Komsomol committee and began his journalism career at Tarybinis Rokiškis newspaper, where his first poems, inspired by the

hardships of war and post-war experiences, were published. From 1950, he led the Spalio pergalė newspaper in Pandėlis district. During this time, he wrote not only articles and essays but also poetry that reflected his inner struggles, the hardships of the era, and the resilience of the human spirit. Širvys' poetry is celebrated for its vivid and emotional language, deeply connected to Lithuania's landscapes and people. His works and personal life symbolize not only creative passion but also the complex history of the nation. As an enduring figure in Lithuanian literature, his legacy in the Rokiškis district remains a significant destination for poetry enthusiasts and history explorers alike.

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