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

11
Maria Rachel Lopes

Maria Rachel Lopes was a Brazilian poet whose work is distinguished by the delicacy and depth with which she addresses human emotions and the experience of everyday life. Her poetry is characterized by accessible language, yet laden with meaning, capable of evoking subtle images and intense feelings. Through her verses, Lopes weaves reflections on life, love, and the passage of time, inviting the reader on a journey of introspection and contemplation. Her literary contribution lies in her ability to find beauty and lyricism in the simplest aspects of existence.

Amílcar Dória

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Leandro Gomes de Barros

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Henry Céard

Henry Céard was a French writer, journalist, and diplomat, known for his contributions to the naturalist movement and his association with Émile Zola. Born in Paris, France, on November 18, 1851. Céard was a proponent of literary naturalism and actively participated in the intellectual debates of his time. His work, although less known than that of his more famous contemporaries, reflects the scientific and social spirit of the era.

Estêvão Rodrigues de Castro

Estêvão Rodrigues de Castro was a notable Portuguese poet and humanist of the Renaissance. He stood out for his lyrical and epic production, marked by erudition and mastery of classical forms. His work reflects the spirit of his time, with a strong humanist influence and an interest in classical history and mythology. He was an important figure in the intellectual circles of his era.

Maria O'Neill

Maria O'Neill was a renowned Portuguese poet whose work is part of the Portuguese surrealist movement, albeit with very personal characteristics. Her poetry is marked by a strong dreamlike quality, a universe of daring images, and a deep exploration of the unconscious, sexuality, and desire. With a life marked by intense experiences and a transgressive stance, Maria O'Neill left a unique poetic legacy, exploring creative freedom and the limits of language. Her work, though sometimes challenging, is fundamental to understanding surrealism in Portugal and poetry written by women in the 20th century.

Bernardo Santareno

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Bernard Noël

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Sharon Olds

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Allen Tate

Allen Tate was an influential American poet, literary critic, and professor, a central figure of the modernist movement and one of the founders of the New Criticism movement. His poetic work is known for its intellectual intensity, use of symbolism, and exploration of themes such as the decline of the American South, religion, and the nature of art. As a critic, Tate advocated for a rigorous approach to textual analysis, focusing on the structure and language of the literary work. His influence extended for decades, shaping the teaching and appreciation of literature in the English-speaking world.

Elma Mitchell

Elma Mitchell was a Scottish poet known for her poetry that often explored Scottish culture and landscape, as well as themes of identity and memory. Her writing is often marked by a strong voice and a keen observation of people and places. With a body of work that reflects both the personal and the social, Mitchell contributed a unique perspective to contemporary Scottish poetry.

Died on this day

4
Manuel José Ferreira Dias

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Jean-Claude Renard

Jean-Claude Renard is a French writer and poet, whose work is characterized by the exploration of philosophical and existential themes, with a rich and evocative language. He is recognized for his ability to move between poetry and prose, always maintaining a reflective depth and a lyrical style that captivates his readers.