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.
Read full poem

Born on this day

3
Afonso Henriques Neto

Afonso Henriques Neto was a Brazilian poet, whose work is part of the context of contemporary poetry. His writing is marked by a strong lyrical and reflective charge, addressing themes such as the human condition, time, and memory, with a language that combines sensitivity and formal rigor.

Artur Eduardo Benevides

Artur Eduardo Benevides was a Portuguese poet and university professor, known for his lyrical work and his strong connection to the landscape and culture of Trás-os-Montes. His poetry, often marked by a deep reflection on time, memory, and the human condition, engages with the Portuguese literary tradition, but innovates in the approach to themes and in the exploration of language. As an academic, he dedicated himself to the study of literature, being recognized for his erudition and his capacity for critical analysis. His poetic work, although not extensive, is considered of great value for its intensity, musicality, and originality, leaving an important legacy in contemporary Portuguese-language poetry.

Died on this day

7
Samuel Taylor Coleridge

Samuel Taylor Coleridge was an English poet, literary critic, and philosopher, one of the founders of the Romantic movement in England. He is best known for his poems "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner" and "Kubla Khan".

A poet ought not to pick nature’s pocket: let him
André Chénier

André Chénier was a French poet, considered one of the founders of French romanticism. He was born in Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul) in 1762 and was executed during the Reign of Terror of the French Revolution in 1794. His poetry, characterized by formal elegance and emotional depth, influenced generations of later poets. Chénier was known for his admiration for classical antiquity, combined with a modern sensibility and strong political engagement. His lyrical and epic poems celebrated beauty, nature, and freedom.

Tomás de Kempis

Thomas à Kempis was a German Augustinian monk and mystic, venerated as a blessed by the Catholic Church. He is widely recognized as the author of 'The Imitation of Christ', one of the most influential works in Christian devotional literature. His life was dedicated to prayer, meditation, and the pursuit of union with God.

Frank O'Hara

Frank O'Hara was an American poet associated with the New York School movement. His work, characterized by distinctive spontaneity and colloquiality, captures the cultural effervescence of 20th-century New York. A poet of everyday life, the city, and personal relationships, O'Hara explored the urban experience with a lyrical and sometimes ironic gaze, leaving a legacy of vibrant and accessible poetry.

Pierre Albert-Birot

Pierre Albert-Birot was a French poet, writer, and editor, a prominent figure of the Cubist movement and the artistic avant-gardes of the early 20th century. His work, marked by radical experimentation and the search for a new language, spanned poetry, theater, and criticism, reflecting the innovative and challenging spirit of his time.

Eduardo Pitta

Eduardo Pitta was a Portuguese poet, essayist, and translator, known for his poetic work marked by reflection on identity, the body, and memory. His writing is characterized by careful language and a deep exploration of existential themes, transitioning between the lyrical and the essayistic. Pitta also distinguished himself through his activity as a translator and his active participation in cultural life, contributing to the dissemination of poetry and literature.

Antonio Porpetta

Antonio Porpetta is a recognized Spanish poet, writer, and professor. His poetic work is often associated with social and existential poetry, addressing themes such as urban life, solitude, and the search for identity. He also distinguished himself as an important promoter of reading and children's and young adult literature.