Some of my favorite poetry in spanish, collected here so that I do not
forget.
The english translations are my own (not necessarily
good, but at least accurate).
The poems touch upon several
topics: from victory and exultation to defeat and impending
doom. Borges, always the intellectual, with an uncanny ability to
convey complex meanings with simple words. Bécquer, the
distilled quintessence of romanticism. Calderón de la Barca and
Quevedo, the masters of the spanish golden century. Almafuerte,
vitriolic and evangelical, with an eye for the best and worst of
humankind. Neruda and Benedetti, intellectual and political, yet
humanistic.
I also collect here some poetry that is popular as
song. Pedro Garfias' poem Asturias about the Spanish Civil War has
been popularized by Victor Manuel's interpretation. Mario Benedetti's
poem "Te Quiero" is put to music in the excellent piece by Nacha
Guevara. Jorge Fandermole's daydream lyrics for "Cuando" came to me
sung by Carlos Baglietto. The immortal duet of Carlos Gardel and
Alfredo Le Pera did a number of unforgettable lyrics and tunes, never
mind the perfect interpretations by Gardel himself, who -- despite his untimely passing in 1935 -- as the
saying accurately says, each day sings better.
I hope you enjoy
them as much as I do.