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

9
Gonçalves de Magalhães

Gonçalves de Magalhães was a Brazilian poet, writer, and politician, a central figure of Romanticism in Brazil. Recognized as the introducer of the movement in Brazil, his work stood out for its exaltation of nature, the indigenous people, and national sentiment, in addition to themes such as love and religiosity. His lyrical poetry and his role in the founding of the Brazilian Academy of Letters profoundly marked the literary and cultural history of the country.

Vespasiano Ramos

Vespasiano Ramos was a Brazilian poet and writer, known for his participation in the modernist movement. His poetic work is marked by formal experimentation, the use of colloquial language, and the exploration of everyday themes and Brazilian identity. Throughout his career, Ramos innovated in his forms of expression, engaging with the artistic avant-gardes of his time. His poetry reflects a critical and, at times, ironic view of society, seeking to capture the essence of modern life and human feelings in concise and impactful verses. He is considered one of the important names in modernist poetry in Brazil.

António Manuel Pires Cabral

António Manuel Pires Cabral is a Portuguese poet, essayist, and researcher, whose work is distinguished by its reflection on identity, memory, and the human condition, often rooted in the landscape and culture of Alentejo. His poetry is marked by careful language, a sometimes melancholic tone, and a deep sensitivity to the small things in life and the passage of time. As an essayist and researcher, Pires Cabral has contributed to the study of Portuguese literature and culture, particularly in the field of poetry. His literary and academic work reveals a deep knowledge of literary tradition and a critical perspective on contemporary society.

António Lobo de Almada Negreiros

António Lobo de Almada Negreiros was a multifaceted Portuguese artist, writer, poet, and playwright, a central figure of the modernist generation and one of the most prominent artistic personalities of the 20th century in Portugal. His work spans various creative disciplines, characterized by intense freedom of expression, an innovative spirit, and profound reflection on Portuguese identity and the human condition. He was a tireless explorer of new artistic languages and forms, leaving a significant legacy in literature and visual arts.

Francisco Gomes de Amorim

Francisco Gomes de Amorim was a Portuguese poet, mainly known for his involvement in the Romanticism movement in Portugal. His work, marked by a strong lyrical sensibility and a deep love for his homeland and Portuguese traditions, reflects the ideals and concerns of his time. With a writing style that evokes nature, popular customs, and the noblest feelings, Amorim sought to exalt national identity and moral values, contributing to the affirmation of genuinely Portuguese poetry.

José Augusto da Costa Resende

José Augusto da Costa Resende was a Portuguese poet and politician, known for his contributions to 19th-century literature. His work reflects Romantic ideals and an interest in Portuguese history and traditions. In addition to his literary activity, he also dedicated himself to public life, holding various political positions.

Virgínia Vitorino

Virgínia Vitorino was a Portuguese writer and poet, whose work stands out for its sensitivity and exploration of social and existential themes. Her writing, often marked by a reflective tone and careful language, addressed the female condition and the complexities of human relationships. Despite having a relevant literary output, her name is not always evoked with the same frequency as other contemporaries, making her work an important field for rediscovery.

Brandon Som

Brandon Som is an American poet whose work explores the intersections of identity, culture, and personal experience, often with a focus on the complexities of the Asian diaspora and family relationships. His poetry is marked by careful language and an ability to evoke deep emotions from subtle observations. Som addresses themes such as belonging, memory, and the search for a place in the world, using a voice that is both intimate and reflective. His writing invites the reader to consider the nuances of identity in a multicultural context.

Albert Jané

Albert Jané is a Catalan writer and journalist, known for his work aimed at children and young adults, as well as his activity in the field of culture and humor. His literary output for young readers is characterized by creativity, humor, and the ability to address relevant themes in a playful and accessible way. As a journalist and columnist, Jané also contributes his insightful perspective on various subjects, demonstrating versatility in his professional endeavors. His connection to Catalan culture is an element present in his diverse facets as a creator.

Died on this day

4
Domingos Lourenço de Castro

Domingos Lourenço de Castro was a Portuguese poet whose work fits into the literary context of his time, exploring themes such as nature, love, and the human condition. His poetry is marked by a careful style and a particular sensitivity in addressing feelings and landscapes.

Herberto Sales

Herberto Sales was a prominent Brazilian writer, mainly known for his novel "Vidas Secas" (Barren Lives), a fundamental work of national literature that portrays the harsh reality of the Brazilian Northeast backlands and the struggle for survival. His writing is marked by a deep realism, a concise style, and a powerful ability to give voice to the marginalized and oppressed. Sales explored various facets of Brazilian society, addressing themes such as social inequality, drought, popular religiosity, and human resilience.

Manuel Filipe de Moura Coutinho

Manuel Filipe de Moura Coutinho was a Portuguese poet and pedagogue, a prominent figure in 20th-century poetry. His work is marked by a profound lyricism that explores the existential dimension of human beings, nature, and the search for a transcendent meaning. His poetic language is distinguished by its musicality and its ability to evoke intense imagery. As a pedagogue, he dedicated himself to teaching, influencing several generations of students, and combined his passion for literature with his educational work.