Carl Sandburg
Author of the day

Carl Sandburg

Carl Sandburg was an American poet, historian, novelist, and lexicographer. He is considered one of the most important American poets of the 20th century, known for his free verse and his focus on the American working class and the landscapes of the American Midwest. His poetry often celebrated the common man and the industrial might of America, earning him a reputation as the "poet of the people." Beyond his poetry, Sandburg was also a prolific biographer, most notably of Abraham Lincoln, and a…

Poems
Poem of the day

Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night

Dylan Thomas
Do not go gentle into that good night, 
Old age should burn and rave at close of day; 
Rage, rage against the dying of the light. 

Though wise men at their end know dark is right, 
Because their words had forked no lightning they 
Do not go gentle into that good night. 

Good men, the last wave by, crying how bright 
Their frail deeds might have danced in a green bay, 
Rage, rage against the dying of the light. 

Wild men who caught and sang the sun in flight, 
And learn, too late, they grieved it on its way, 
Do not go gentle into that good night. 

Grave men, near death, who see with blinding sight 
Blind eyes could blaze like meteors and be gay, 
Rage, rage against the dying of the light. 

And you, my father, there on that sad height, 
Curse, bless, me now with your fierce tears, I pray. 
Do not go gentle into that good night. 
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
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Quote of the day
There’s one way to find out if a man is honest—ask him. If he says, “Yes,” you know he is a crook.
— Groucho Marx
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Born on this day

11
José Fanha

José Fanha was a Portuguese poet, playwright, and short story writer, known for his work that explores the human condition with accessible yet profound language. His poetry addresses themes such as daily life, interpersonal relationships, and the passage of time, often with a melancholic yet hopeful tone. His writing reflects a keen sensitivity to the small joys and sorrows of life, making his work resonate with a wide audience. Fanha also stood out for his activity in theater and writing for children and young people, demonstrating remarkable versatility. He was an active member of the literary community, contributing to the dissemination of poetry and the encouragement of reading.

André Breton

André Breton was a French writer, poet, and surrealist theorist, best known as the founder and principal theorist of Surrealism. His work explored the unconscious mind, dreams, and irrationality, seeking to liberate human thought and expression from the constraints of logic and convention. He championed automatic writing and the power of the imagination.

Always for the First Time
Capinan

Capinan, pseudonym of José Carlos Capinan, was a Brazilian poet and composer, a prominent figure of Tropicália and the musical and literary movement in Brazil in the 1960s and 1970s. His poetic work, often associated with song lyrics, stands out for its aesthetic boldness, social criticism, and fusion of elements from Brazilian popular culture with artistic avant-garde. He was one of the most important lyricists of MPB, collaborating with several renowned musicians.

Carson McCullers

Carson McCullers was a prominent American writer, born in Columbus, Georgia, in 1917. She is known for her novels that explore loneliness, alienation, and complex human relationships, often in Southern United States settings. Her works frequently portray eccentric and marginalized characters who struggle to find connection and meaning in a challenging world.

I live with the people I create and it has always
Jean-Antoine de Baïf

Jean-Antoine de Baïf was a French poet and scholar, a founding member of the 'Pléiade', a group of poets who sought to revitalize French poetry. He is known for his metric innovations and for attempting to reform the French language in poetry, introducing verses with regular meters inspired by classical antiquity.

Thomas Brasch

Thomas Brasch was a German poet, playwright, and filmmaker, known for his provocative work and social critique. His creations frequently addressed themes such as identity, alienation, and repression in East Germany and society in general, reflecting his own experiences and political activism. His writing is marked by emotional intensity and direct, often blunt, language. Brasch left a significant legacy in the German cultural landscape, with his work continuing to be studied and interpreted for its social and artistic relevance.

António Cobeira

Poet who stands out for his introspective lyricism and exploration of themes such as memory, identity, and the passage of time. His writing is marked by an apparent simplicity that hides a deep emotional and philosophical complexity. His verses invite serene contemplation on the human condition, the transience of moments, and the search for meaning in existence, leaving a mark of authenticity and sensibility.

Alfredo de Barros

Alfredo de Barros was a poet whose work manifests a deep connection with literary tradition, while also revealing a unique sensitivity for capturing the essence of the world around him. His poetry, often imbued with subtle melancholy and reflection on the human condition, is characterized by refined language and strong musicality. Although his name may not be among the most prominent, his poetic contribution is a valuable legacy for literature.

Rebecca Dunham

Rebecca Dunham is an American scholar and writer known for her work in comparative literature and cultural studies. Her research often explores the intersections between text, image, and material culture. She is dedicated to unraveling the complexities of narratives and their manifestations across different media. Her academic focus spans from Renaissance literature to contemporary forms of expression, always seeking new perspectives on how literary works shape and reflect the world around us. Her writing style is characterized by clarity and analytical depth.

Alfredo Bryce Echenique

Alfredo Bryce Echenique is a renowned Peruvian writer, known for his vibrant and humorous prose that frequently explores the complexities of Peruvian life and the experiences of the Latin American diaspora. His work is marked by memorable characters and narratives that blend the tragic and the comic, reflecting on identity, memory, and the human condition with a unique and engaging voice. With an unmistakable style, Bryce Echenique has won over readers and critics worldwide, solidifying his place as one of the most important exponents of contemporary Latin American literature. His novels are an invitation to immerse oneself in universes rich in detail, emotions, and profound reflections on life.

Bin Ramke

Bin Ramke is an American poet known for his lyrical and introspective writing. His works often explore themes of memory, landscape, and the transient nature of existence, with a language that combines the colloquial and the formal. He is recognized for his ability to create vivid imagery and evoke deep emotions in his readers. His poetry is marked by a keen sensitivity to the details of everyday life, transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary. Ramke has been an influential voice in contemporary poetry, inspiring other writers with his unique approach and his dedication to the art of the word.

Died on this day

13
António Gedeão

António Gedeão was the literary pseudonym of Rómulo de Carvalho, a notable Portuguese poet and essayist. His poetic work is marked by the fusion of science and poetry, exploring themes such as the universe, time, matter, and human knowledge with an accessible yet profound language. Recognized for his ability to translate scientific concepts into poetic imagery, Gedeão left an important legacy in 20th-century Portuguese literature, being one of the greatest names in Portuguese neo-realism and modernism.

René Char

René Char was a French poet, a central figure of surrealist poetry and, later, one of the most original and influential poets of the 20th century. His work is marked by concise, aphoristic language and a profound reflection on the human condition, freedom, and resistance. Char's poetry, often defined as "poetry of action," seeks the alliance between thought and lyricism, exploring beauty and transcendence in everyday life.

Manuel Sérgio

Manuel Sérgio is a Portuguese philosopher and poet, known for his extensive work that bridges philosophy with literature and education. His writing is marked by a deep reflection on the human condition, ethics, education, and the relationship between thought and art. Throughout his career, he explored poetry as a means of expressing complex ideas and profound sensibilities, establishing himself as a significant intellectual figure in the Lusophone cultural landscape. With a multifaceted body of work encompassing philosophical essays, pedagogical texts, and poetry, Manuel Sérgio demonstrates a constant commitment to exploring human knowledge and experience. His poetry, in particular, invites contemplation and dialogue, reflecting a humanistic vision and a deep appreciation for language as a vehicle of wisdom and emotion.

G. Buchner

Georg Büchner was a German writer, playwright, and biologist, known for his innovative work that pioneered realism and expressionism in literature and theater. Despite his short life, he left a significant literary legacy. His most famous works include the play "Woyzeck", considered a masterpiece of modern theater, and "Danton's Death". Büchner was also noted for his satirical and political writing, criticizing the society and oppression of his time.

Isabella Motadinyane

Isabella Motadinyane is an emerging figure in contemporary poetry, known for her exploration of identity and social themes through visceral and innovative language. Her work addresses the complexities of the female and Black experience in urban contexts, using a poetic voice that moves between vulnerability and strength. With a writing marked by formal experimentation and emotional intensity, Motadinyane has established herself as a relevant voice, capable of engaging with the anxieties and aspirations of her generation. Her poetry invites reflection on issues of belonging, resistance, and the search for authenticity in a constantly changing world.

Knut Hamsun

Knut Hamsun was a prominent Norwegian writer, awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1920, whose works explore the human psyche with unique intensity and innovative style. His writing is marked by the exploration of themes such as alienation, poverty, madness, and man's relationship with nature, often through tormented and marginal characters. Hamsun is recognized for significantly influencing literary modernism, especially through his stream-of-consciousness technique and his penetrating gaze into the complexities of existence. Despite his literary brilliance, his figure is also marked by controversies due to his sympathies for the Nazi regime, an aspect that raises complex debates about art and the artist.

Diogo de Macedo

Diogo de Macedo, with his Wikidata ID Q5279234, was a multifaceted figure in the Portuguese cultural landscape, distinguishing himself as a poet, essayist, and literary critic. His poetic work, marked by careful language and a deep reflection on the human condition and art, reflects the complexity of modern thought. With a vast intellectual production, Macedo explored themes such as identity, memory, and the relationship between the individual and the world. His critical and essayistic intervention contributed significantly to the literary and cultural debate in Portugal, positioning him as a prominent intellectual of his generation.

José da Silva Maia Ferreira

José da Silva Maia Ferreira, also known by the pseudonym João da Maia, was a Portuguese poet, playwright, and journalist. His work, inserted in the context of Portuguese Romanticism and Post-Romanticism, is marked by strong lyricism, the exploration of themes such as love, nature, and saudade, and an often melancholic and idealistic tone. He had an active participation in the cultural and political life of his time.

Jacques Brenner

Jacques Brenner was a French writer, literary critic, and editor. His work encompasses essays, criticisms, and texts on literature, with a particular interest in contemporary poetry and prose. Brenner dedicated himself to analyzing and promoting the work of various writers, contributing to intellectual debate and literary dissemination in France. His role as an editor was also fundamental to launching new talents.

Enrique González Martínez

Enrique González Martínez was a Mexican poet, doctor, and diplomat, a central figure of late modernism and a precursor of avant-garde poetry in Mexico. His work is characterized by a deep reflection on time, the fleeting nature of life, and the search for transcendence, with a refined language and great musicality. Through his poetry, he explored themes such as melancholy, solitude, and death, but also the beauty of the moment and the persistence of the spirit. His influence on subsequent generations of Mexican poets was considerable.