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.
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Born on this day

18
Murillo Mendes

Murilo Mendes was one of the most original and influential poets in 20th-century Brazilian literature. His work is marked by the fusion of the sacred and the profane, the erudite and the popular, humor and melancholy. He went through various stylistic phases, from early lyricism to avant-garde experimentation. His poetry is an invitation to contemplate the mystery of existence, to celebrate beauty, and to reflect on faith, love, and time, all with an inventive and surprising language.

Raimundo Correia

Raimundo Correia was a Brazilian Parnassian poet, known for his work marked by musicality, formal rigor, and amorous and bucolic themes. He was a member of the Brazilian Academy of Letters. His poetry is an example of the influence of Parnassianism on Brazilian literature, with an erudite vocabulary and carefully crafted imagery.

Gabriela Cunha Melo Cavalcanti

Gabriela Cunha Melo Cavalcanti is a Brazilian writer whose work has focused on poetry and prose, exploring themes related to identity, memory, ancestry, and the complexities of human relationships. With a writing style that blends lyricism and reflective depth, Cavalcanti has sought to give voice to experiences and perspectives often silenced in traditional literature. Her work invites the discovery of new narratives and the reinterpretation of the past, in constant dialogue with Brazilian culture and its multiple facets.

Maria Dinorah

Maria Dinorah was a Brazilian poet whose work stands out for its refined lyricism and exploration of universal themes such as love, longing, and the human condition. Her poetry, marked by delicate language and suggestive imagery, invites reflection on feelings and the complexities of existence. Her work, although sometimes associated with a more restrained lyricism, possesses an expressive force that resonates with the sensitivity of many readers. Maria Dinorah contributed to the diversity of Brazilian poetry, leaving behind a collection of verses that explore the depths of the soul and the fleeting beauty of life.

Soares Bulcão

Soares Bulcão was an Angolan writer and poet. His work is intrinsically linked to the social and cultural reality of Angola, addressing themes such as African identity, the struggle for freedom, and the beauty of the land. He is recognized for his contribution to post-independence Angolan literature, using expressive language that reflects his roots and his worldview.

Alphonse Daudet

Alphonse Daudet was an acclaimed French novelist and short-story writer. His work is characterized by its realism, social observation, and vivid portrayals of Provençal and Parisian life. Daudet is known for his ability to capture the essence of his characters and settings.

Giuseppe Giusti

Giuseppe Giusti (May 13, 1809 - March 31, 1850) was an Italian poet, known for his satirical and patriotic poetry. He is considered one of the exponents of 19th-century Tuscan poetry, with a style that blends irony, social criticism, and a deep love for his homeland.

João Gomes da Ilha

João Gomes da Ilha was a Portuguese poet whose works are frequently associated with the lyrical tradition and the exploration of universal themes such as nature, love, saudade, and the fleetingness of time. His poetry is characterized by careful language, a melodious rhythm, and a deep sensitivity that connects him with the Portuguese soul. Although he may have engaged with different literary currents throughout his life, his poetic voice maintains a distinct identity, capable of evoking inner and outer landscapes with equal mastery. His legacy lies in the formal beauty and emotional resonance of his work, which continues to enchant readers with its delicacy and depth.

Reinaldo de Matos

Reinaldo de Matos was a Portuguese poet notable for his introspective lyricism and exploration of existential themes. His work is marked by careful language and a refined sensitivity to the nuances of the human soul, addressing love, solitude, and the passage of time. He contributed significantly to contemporary Portuguese poetry.

M. S. Lourenço

M. S. Lourenço is an author whose literary work is characterized by its intellectual depth and its ability to articulate philosophical reflection with poetic expression. His writing explores complex themes, often linked to the human condition, memory, identity, and the very nature of literature. With rigorous language and keen sensitivity, Lourenço constructs texts that invite meditation and critical analysis, challenging the reader to a deeper exploration of the concepts addressed. His work is distinguished by the subtlety and relevance of its observations, reflecting a mind attentive to the multifaceted realities of being and knowing. Through prose or poetry situated at the intersection of the essayistic and the lyrical, M. S. Lourenço establishes a fruitful dialogue with the literary and philosophical tradition, while simultaneously projecting a contemporary vision of the dilemmas of the current world. His literary contribution is marked by intellectual rigor and the incessant search for precision and meaning.

Joaquim de Barros Ferreira

Portuguese poet and essayist, Joaquim de Barros Ferreira is a prominent figure in contemporary literature, known for his work that combines critical reflection and lyrical sensibility. With a vigorous style and precise language, he addresses themes such as memory, history, identity, and the human condition in times of change. His poetic and essayistic compositions are marked by intellectual depth and a unique ability to question the world and the act of writing itself. Ferreira stands out for his cultural intervention and his contribution to literary and philosophical debate.

Kathleen Jamie

Kathleen Jamie is a Scottish poet and essayist, winner of several literary awards. Her poetry is known for its connection to the natural world, its attention to detail, and its exploration of the human experience in relation to the environment. She frequently incorporates keen observations and clear, evocative language. Her essays also explore the relationship between humanity and nature, often with a reflective and personal tone. Jamie is an important voice in contemporary literature, celebrated for her sensitivity and depth.

Mark Abley

Mark Abley is a Canadian writer, poet, and journalist. His work spans non-fiction, poetry, and journalism, often exploring history, culture, and natural landscapes, with a keen eye for the nuances of the human experience. He is known for his engaging prose and his ability to connect complex themes with accessible and reflective narratives.

Pepín Bello

An eccentric and enigmatic figure of Spanish surrealism, José Bello Lasierra, known as Pepín Bello, was a multifaceted artist and intellectual. Although he did not leave an extensive literary work published during his lifetime, his presence was fundamental in the avant-garde circles of Madrid and Paris. His life, marked by bohemianism and friendships with great figures of art and literature, was characterized by a constant search for creative freedom and experimentation.

Died on this day

11
Jacinto Freire de Andrade

Jacinto Freire de Andrade was a Portuguese poet and writer, whose writings reflect the society and customs of his time. His work, although set in a specific historical context, addresses universal themes with a language that seeks balance between erudition and the expression of feelings.

Luís Anriques

Luís Anriques was a Portuguese poet whose work belongs to the Modernism movement, characterized by an innovative exploration of language and poetic form. His poetry, although sometimes less known compared to other prominent figures of the time, reveals a keen sensibility and a search for new lyrical expressions, often addressing existential themes and the human condition. His work reflects a desire to break with previous literary conventions, experimenting with free verse and exploring inner and outer landscapes with a contemporary vision.

José Blanc de Portugal

José Blanc de Portugal was a Portuguese poet, essayist, and literary critic, a prominent figure in contemporary poetry. His work is distinguished by its exploration of themes such as time, memory, the relationship with nature, and the human condition itself, approached with a reflective and, at times, melancholic tone. With a refined style and careful language, Blanc de Portugal managed to combine lyrical tradition with modern sensibility, creating poetry that invites introspection and contemplation. Considered one of the most unique poets of his generation, his literary career was marked by a constant aesthetic search and a deep dialogue with existential questions. His writing, rich in imagery and subtlety, solidified him as an important voice in Portuguese literature.

Marilena Gomes Ribeiro

Marilena Gomes Ribeiro is a Brazilian writer whose work is mainly expressed through poetry. Her writing is marked by a strong connection with subjectivity and the expression of deep feelings, exploring universal themes. Her poetry seeks to capture the essence of human emotions, the subtle beauty of everyday life, and the complexity of interpersonal relationships. Marilena Gomes Ribeiro contributes to the rich tapestry of Brazilian literature with her lyrical and reflective voice.

José Chagas

José Chagas was a Brazilian poet and journalist, a prominent figure in the literature of Minas Gerais. His poetic work, although less known nationally, is recognized for its lyrical quality and the depth with which it addresses universal themes such as love, saudade, and the ephemerality of life. In parallel with his literary activity, he dedicated himself to journalism, playing an active role in the cultural and social life of his region.

Cayo Salústio Crispo

Gaius Sallustius Crispus, known in Portuguese as Salústio, was a Roman historian and politician. He is considered one of the great prose writers of Latin literature, known for his detailed accounts and psychological analyses of political and military events.

Jaime Torres Bodet

Jaime Torres Bodet was a distinguished Mexican poet, diplomat, and academic. His poetic work is characterized by a deep reflection on the human condition, time, memory, and the search for meaning in life. As a public figure, he held important roles in diplomacy and education, serving as Secretary of Public Education and Director-General of UNESCO. His legacy combines literary excellence with an unwavering social and cultural commitment.