Jorge Luis Borges
Author of the day

Jorge Luis Borges

Jorge Luis Borges was an Argentine writer, poet, essayist, and translator. His work is characterized by its philosophical depth, intricate plots, and exploration of themes such as time, infinity, identity, and the nature of reality. Borges is considered one of the most significant literary figures of the 20th century, renowned for his innovative use of literary devices and his profound influence on postmodern literature.

Poem of the day

Grass

Carl Sandburg
Pile the bodies high at Austerlitz and Waterloo.
Shovel them under and let me work
-I am the grass; I cover all.

And pile them high at Gettysburg
And pile them high at Ypres and Verdun.
Shovel them under and let me work.
Two years, ten years, and the passengers ask the conductor:

What place is this?
Where are we now?

I am the grass.
Let me work.
Read full poem

Born on this day

11
Eugenio Montale

Eugenio Montale was one of the most important Italian poets of the 20th century, winner of the Nobel Prize in Literature. His work is marked by austere lyricism, the exploration of the Ligurian landscape, and reflection on the existential condition of modern man, incommunicability, and the absence of meaning in a world in crisis. His poetry is known for its density, its use of concrete imagery, and its search for a truth that manifests itself fragmentarily.

João Rui de Sousa

João Rui de Sousa is a Portuguese poet and writer whose work is characterized by its reflective depth and exploration of themes such as memory, the passage of time, and identity. With a careful style and a language that combines rigor and sensitivity, Sousa has been building a literary career that has earned him recognition in the panorama of contemporary Portuguese-language poetry. His writing invites contemplation and introspection, addressing the human condition with a nuanced and humanistic perspective.

Sérgio de Mesquita Serra

Sérgio de Mesquita Serra was a Portuguese poet whose work is distinguished by the deep exploration of the human condition, marked by an unparalleled sensitivity to the pains and joys of existence. His poetry, with its poignant lyricism, addresses universal themes such as love, loss, and the search for meaning, often framed by a careful and evocative language. His compositions reveal a profound reflection on time and memory, central elements in his poetic architecture. Introspection and melancholy are recurring tones, giving his writing a deeply personal and, at the same time, universally resonant dimension, inviting the reader into an intimate dialogue with their own concerns.

Helena Kolody

Helena Kolody was a Brazilian poet, whose work stands out for its lyrical sensibility and profound reflection on existence, nature, and love. Her poetry, marked by delicate and imagistic language, addresses the beauty of the everyday and the complexities of human feelings with an authentic and touching voice.

Fernando Sabino

Fernando Sabino was a prominent Brazilian writer and journalist, known for his work that spans chronicles, novels, and fiction. His writing is marked by keen observation of daily life, subtle humor, and profound humanity, addressing themes such as human relationships, the passage of time, and childhood memories.

Henrique Aires Vitória

Portuguese poet, Henrique Aires Vitória stood out in 20th-century Portuguese poetry with a work marked by modernity, formal experimentation, and a deep exploration of the human condition. His poetry, often dense and enigmatic, addresses themes such as time, memory, identity, and transcendence, using innovative and challenging language. He was an influential figure in the literary landscape, actively participating in the cultural and intellectual life of his time.

Gabriel Spera

Gabriel Spera is an American poet and artist known for his exploration of themes such as nature, memory, and identity through experimental forms. His work often intertwines language with visual elements, creating a multifaceted reading experience that challenges literary conventions.

Félix María de Samaniego

Félix María de Samaniego was a Spanish writer primarily known for his fables, a genre he cultivated with mastery and a keen sense of humor. His work is inscribed in the tradition of Aesop and La Fontaine, adapting and creating short stories with morals that subtly criticize the customs and vices of the society of his time. With a clear and direct style, Samaniego used the fable as a vehicle for teaching and moral reflection, earning a prominent place in Spanish didactic literature.

Manuel Asur

Spanish poet and narrator, Manuel Asur has developed a work marked by introspection and the exploration of the depths of being. His verses, often laden with subtle melancholy and profound sensitivity, traverse universal themes such as love, solitude, and the transience of time. His style is characterized by a careful lexical selection and a particular musicality, which invite reflection and aesthetic enjoyment. Asur has cultivated both poetry and prose, demonstrating a versatility that enriches his literary production. His work is part of the Spanish lyrical tradition, but with his own voice that dialogues with contemporary concerns. The depth of his reflections and the beauty of his language make him a relevant figure in current literature.

Dionisio Ridruejo

Dionisio Ridruejo was a Spanish poet, essayist, and literary critic, a prominent figure of the Generation of '50. His poetic work is characterized by a deep reflection on the human experience, identity, memory, and the passage of time, often rooted in the landscape and culture of Castile. His style is refined, precise, and emotional, seeking the sincere expression of feelings and formal beauty. Ridruejo was also an important intellectual and public figure, known for his civic commitment and his defense of democratic values. He is considered one of the most representative poets of Spanish poetry in the second half of the 20th century.

Died on this day

5
Ruy Cinatti

Ruy Cinatti was a Portuguese-Italian poet, ethnologist, and physician whose poetic work is deeply marked by his experience in Timor, where he spent much of his life. His poetry explores the relationship between man and nature, identity, Timorese culture, and the human condition, with intense lyricism and precise language. With a strong connection to surrealism and avant-garde poetry, Cinatti left behind a unique body of work that reflects his life experiences in exotic lands and his profound reflections on the world and existence.

Guimarães Rocha

Guimarães Rocha was a Brazilian poet and author whose work stood out for its exploration of existential and social themes with a rich and imagistic language. His poetry is marked by a deep reflection on the human condition, time, and the ephemerality of life, intertwined with sharp observations about everyday life and the complexities of human relationships. The strength of his writing lies in his ability to evoke intense sensations and feelings, inviting the reader on an introspective journey.

Lara de Lemos

Lara de Lemos is a contemporary Portuguese poet, short story writer, and columnist, whose work stands out for its delicacy, lyrical depth, and exploration of female subjectivity. Her writing is marked by accessible language, yet filled with emotion and reflection, addressing themes such as love, solitude, memory, and the complexities of human relationships, with a sensitive and introspective gaze.

Anatole France

Anatole France was a renowned French writer and literary critic, known for his elegant, skeptical, and ironic style. His work often addressed philosophical and social themes, criticizing the hypocrisy and prejudices of his time with wit and humor. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1921, consolidating his status as one of France's most important literary figures.

When a thing has been said and well said, have no
Zoë Brigley

Zoë Brigley is a British poet and writer known for her work exploring themes of identity, memory, and landscape. Her poetry often moves between the personal and the political, using rich and evocative language. She is also dedicated to prose writing and literary criticism, contributing to various publications.