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.
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Born on this day

10
Janete, Rosa dos Ventos

Janete, Rosa dos Ventos, is a contemporary poet whose work is distinguished by its exploration of themes such as nature, affections, the passage of time, and the search for a deeper meaning of existence. Her poetry, marked by a lyrical and imagistic language, invites reflection on the relationship between human beings and the world around them, as well as their own inner universe. Her poetic works, published in various formats, have been gaining an audience attentive to the sensitivity and depth of her writing.

João Cardoso de Meneses e Silva

João Cardoso de Meneses e Silva, known as the "poet of love", was a Portuguese poet whose works explore the depths of amorous feeling, saudade (longing), and the ephemeral nature of life. His poetry is characterized by a lyrical and melodic language, evoking the tradition of troubadour poetry and popular songbooks, but with a modern sensibility. Through his verses, he addresses passion, the pain of absence, and the incessant search for ideal union. His work, although sometimes associated with a more traditional lyricism, reveals a depth of feeling and a formal mastery that distinguish him. His legacy lies in his ability to sing of love in all its facets, touching readers' souls with his sincerity and poetic beauty.

Rosa Bruno

Rosa Bruno was a literary figure whose work, although it may not have achieved the notoriety of other contemporaries, represents a valuable testimony to the poetry of her time. Her compositions frequently explore the intimacy of human feelings, the complexity of relationships, and the ephemeral beauty of the world around her. Her style, marked by a unique sensibility, invited reflection on the human condition and the search for meaning in everyday life. Through careful language and evocative poetic imagery, Bruno left a discreet but significant legacy in the literary landscape.

Gabriela Guglielmo

Gabriela Guglielmo is a writer and poet whose work is distinguished by the exploration of deep and existential themes, approached with a language that is both lyrical and incisive. Her poetry frequently delves into the complexity of human relationships, the search for identity, and reflection on the passage of time. With sharp sensitivity, Guglielmo constructs poetic universes that invite introspection and contemplation, marked by a strong imagistic and emotional charge.

Otto Rene Catillo

Otto René Castillo was a Guatemalan poet, playwright, and activist, whose life and work were intrinsically linked to the struggle for social justice and resistance against oppression in his country. His poetry, filled with political passion and humanist lyricism, expresses the pain of the oppressed, the hope for a free future, and the search for dignity amidst violence. Castillo became a symbol of cultural and political resistance in Latin America, inspiring generations with his courage and his ability to transform brutal reality into powerful and transformative art. His work is a call to action, a record of the history of struggle, and a hymn to the unbreakable strength of the human spirit.

Walter de la Mare

Walter de la Mare was an English poet, short story writer, and novelist. He is best known for his lyrical poetry, which often explores themes of childhood innocence, the supernatural, dreams, and the passage of time. His work is characterized by its musicality, delicate imagery, and a sense of wonder and melancholy. De la Mare also wrote significant prose, including ghost stories and novels for children, demonstrating a versatile imagination that bridged the adult and child's perspective.

A Song of Enchantment
Arsénio Mota

Arsénio Mota was a poet whose work stood out for its ability to blend personal lyricism with a profound observation of social and human reality. His poetry addressed themes such as the human condition, solitude, hope, and melancholy, with a careful language and a frequently reflective and, at times, ironic tone. His literary career, which spanned several years, contributed to contemporary poetry with an authentic voice that captured the nuances of everyday experience and the universal aspirations of human beings.

Leonor de Almeida

Leonor de Almeida was a notable figure at the Portuguese court, known for her interest in the arts and her influence in cultural patronage. Although not primarily recognized as a writer, her life and involvement with the literary and artistic milieu of the time give her a prominent place in Portuguese cultural history, especially for her role as a patron and her connections to prominent figures.

Henri Deluy

Henri Deluy is a French poet and essayist, a prominent figure in contemporary poetry, particularly associated with the 'poésie en acte' (poetry in action) movement. His work, which spans both poetic writing and literary criticism, is distinguished by formal experimentation, political engagement, and reflection on the nature of language and poetry. Deluy is a tireless explorer of the limits of poetic expression, constantly questioning conventions and seeking new ways to intervene in the world.

Died on this day

8
Álvares de Azevedo

Álvares de Azevedo was a Brazilian poet, a prominent figure of Romanticism and one of the exponents of Ultra-Romanticism in his country. His work, marked by deep pessimism, melancholy, and the exploration of themes such as death, idealized love, and the escape from reality, reflects the anxieties of a youth who felt out of place in their time. Despite his short life, he left a legacy of poetry and prose of great intensity and lyricism, influencing later generations with his dark vision and his exploration of the gothic and the sublime.

Torquato Tasso

Torquato Tasso was an Italian poet, playwright, and literary critic, renowned for his epic and lyrical poetry. His work is marked by deep religiosity, existential questioning, and the pursuit of an ideal of formal perfection. He faced several personal and intellectual crises throughout his life, which were reflected in his artistic production, oscillating between classical Renaissance and the spiritual tensions of his time. He is considered one of the greatest figures in Italian literature.

José Maria da Costa e Silva

José Maria da Costa e Silva was a multifaceted figure, with a body of work that encompassed poetry, literary criticism, and essayism. His poetry is often associated with deep lyricism and a reflection on identity, memory, and the individual's relationship with time. His intellectual journey was marked by a sharp critical sense and a constant search for the expression of the human soul in its most diverse facets.

Louise Labé

Louise Labé was a French Renaissance poet, known for her lyrical boldness and lively intelligence. Her work, though concise, explores themes such as love, desire, and the female condition with remarkable intensity and frankness for the time. Labé challenged social and literary conventions, positioning herself as an independent and influential voice in the Lyon literary scene.

William Cowper

William Cowper (1731-1800) was an English poet and hymn writer. He is remembered for his lyrical and reflective poetry, which often addresses themes of nature, faith, and domestic life. His most famous work includes "The Task", a long narrative poem, and "Olney Hymns", a collection of religious hymns. Cowper struggled with mental health issues throughout his life, which also profoundly influenced his poetry, bringing characteristic introspection and melancholy.

Oh! for a closer walk with God.
Gonzalo Rojas

Gonzalo Rojas was a Chilean poet recognized for his intense and innovative work. His poetry is marked by a deep reflection on the human condition, exploring themes such as love, death, time, and identity with a powerful and imagistic language. He is considered one of the most important voices in 20th-century Latin American poetry, with a unique style that bridges existentialism and visceral sensuality.

Paul de Vree

Paul de Vree was a Belgian poet, visual artist, and performer, a prominent figure in experimental poetry and concrete poetry. His work, often associated with the Fluxus movement and sound poetry, explored the intersections between word, image, and sound, challenging traditional literary conventions. With a multidisciplinary approach, de Vree dedicated himself to creating visual poems, sound performances, and installations, using various techniques and materials to expand the boundaries of poetic expression. His artistic production reflects a avant-garde spirit and a commitment to experimentation, leaving a significant legacy in contemporary poetry and visual arts.