By Sounds and Colours22 August, 2019Latin America poetry began to garner international recognition in the 1960s. During this period, a multitude of unique voices gave new life to the literary landscape. But, before that decade, there was a host of great Latin American poets. Thereby, it is imperative to explore poetry from the 1960s. It is also essential to explore poetry that went before and after that period. Having this in mind, we have curated a list of the best Latin American poems. After reading these poems, you will fall in love with Latin America, and maybe want to take on my poetry class and do my assignment for me.
1. The Heights of Machu Picchu (Poet: Pablo Neruda)
Pablo Neruda was a student of Gabriela Mistral (a well-known humanist, educator, and poet diplomat). Gabriel Garcia Marquez (a prominent Colombian novelist), named Pablo Neruda as the “greatest poet of the twentieth-century in all languages.” Pablo Nerudawrote in various styles. These included historical epics, a prose autobiography, political manifestos, surrealist poems, and passionate love poems. Canto General was Pablo Neruda’s tenth book of poems. This book took him over twelve years to write. The collection provides a comprehensive history of the New World, from ancient Hispanic times to the present world. Inspired by Pablo Neruda’s voyage to the ancient ruins, The Heights of Machu Picchu is the poet’s masterpiece.
2. The Cage (Poet: Alejandra Pizarnik)
Alejandra Pizarnik was a poet from Argentine who was born in Buenos Aires. Her parents were both Jewish immigrants. Alejandra Pizarnik struggled with clinical depression. Added to this, she suffered from amphetamine addiction her entire adult life. Like Sylvia Plath’s poetry, Alejandra Pizarnik’s poetry was also powerful and dark. Alejandra Pizarnik committed suicide in 1972, at the age of thirty-six. After her demise, she left behind a vast assortment of poetic work. Her poetic work was both surrealist and confessional. The Cage (La Jaula) is one of her most famous Latino poems. The Cage is famous for disturbing closing lines.
3. Sunstone (Poet: Octavio Paz)
OctavioPaz doubled as a diplomat and a poet. For his body of work, Hereceived the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1990. With such tremendousachievements, Paz is still Mexico’s most famed literary figures.Paz’s Sunstone(Piedrade Sol) is one of the most famous Latin American poems. This poemaddresses themes such as death and prurience. It also makes directreferences to the Spanish Civil War and Mexican culture. The poem’speculiar structure is like that of the Aztec calendar, or sunstone,which explains the title.
4. You Foolish Men Who Accuse (Poet: Sor Juana Ines de la Cruz)
Sor Juana was a composer, poet, philosopher, a catholic nun and self-taught scholar. She lived during Mexico’s colonial period. A dedicated advocate of women’s rights and education, many individuals in modern society still view Sor Juana as a feminist icon. Her candid opinions granted her names such as the “Mexican Phoenix” or “The Phoenix of America.” An extract from You Foolish Men Who Accuse, one of her most famous poems is in small print on the Mexican 200-peso note.
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5. Guadalupe, W.I., Pointe-à-Pitre (Poet: Nicolás Guillén)
Nicolás Guillén was a poet from Cuba. Guillén is famous for incorporating the rhythmic sounds of Son Cubano into his poetry. Son Cubano is a genre in music that combines elements of African and Spanish origin. Guillén’s communist traits and his membership in the Communist Party caused his exile from Cuba in 1953. He returned after the Cuban Revolution in 1959 after Fidel Castro invited him back. A lifelong communist sympathizer, Guillén became one of Cuba’s most valued national poets. His poem Guadalupe, W.I., Pointe-à-Pitre discusses the class division that existed in that period.
6. The Ten Commandments of the Artist (Poet: Gabriela Mistral)
From Chile in South America, Mistral was a humanist, educator, and poet-diplomat. In 1945, she received the Nobel Prize in Literature, becoming the first Latin American poet (and woman) to receive a prize of this nature. Her Latin American poems gain their inspiration from powerful emotions. Her poems highlighted a tight friendship which she formed with a railway worker. This friendship was a significant episode in her life. The death of her friend in 1909 marked her life, as well as her work. She never got married, and loss and isolation became major themes in her poetry. According to https://theculturetrip.com/south-america/articles/7-poems-that-provide-the-perfect-introduction-to-latin-america/, The Ten Commandments of the Artist (Decálogo del artista) is Mistral’s most celebrated poems. This poem highlights her poetic vision of the world.
7. Prayer for Marilyn Monroe (Poet: Ernesto Cardenel)
Ernesto Cardenel is a social activist, poet, and Catholic priest from Nicaragua. Cardenel has associations with the liberation theology. This theology emerged in the 1970s and sought to merge Catholic teachings with socialist ideology. After his ordination in 1960, Cardenel established an artistic community on the Solentiname Islands. This community still exists in modern society. Regardless of his years of activism and political convictions, Cardenel still managed to pen down Prayer for Marilyn Monroe. Cardenel wrote this poem after the demise of the Hollywood star. It ranks top among the most famous Latin American poems as it highlights the social conditions that fueled her death.
8. I’m Going to Sleep (Alfonsina Storni)
Alfonsina Storni was a poet from Argentina. She lived during the modernist period. Storni was one of the first women to thrive in the male-dominated fields of theater and literature. As such, she developed a rare and precious voice that is still valuable in Latin American poetry. Even though Storni was famous for her poetic works, she also wrote journalistic essays and prose. According to this link, Storni‘s poems featured erotic and feminist themes. Her writing was also considered progressive for the period she wrote in (the early 1900s). Storni wrote her Latin American poem I’m Going to Sleep right before she took her life after a long battle with cancer.
9.YourLaughter (Poet: Pablo Neruda)
YourLaughter isanother one of Neruda’s celebrated poems. The poem opens with thespeaker telling his lover that he depends on her laughter more thanhe does on food or air. The speaker goes on to narrate the troubleshe has gone through and how the laughter of his lover has seen himthrough difficult times. YourLaughteris a poem that highlights a problematic situation, and the one thingthat helps the speaker endure it.
10. The Lovers (Poet: Jaime Sabines)
Jaime Sabines was a poet from Chiapas, Mexico. He was a medical student that later realized that literature was his true passion. Sabines admired Federico Garcia Lorca and Pablo Neruda. He gained the name “Literature Sniper” because he aimed to transform literature into a reality. His poem The Lovers (Los Amorosos) is one of the well-known, and most recite poems by Mexicans. Verses of the poem have made it in several films and advertising campaigns. The Lovers highlights a universal feeling, love. His poems For my Mother and Introspection are also among the most celebrated Mexican poems.
Well, there you have it. The 10 poems listed above are a great introduction to Latin American culture. These poems are from a range of periods. Thereby, you can see how Latin American poetry has evolved throughout the centuries. You can also see how different poets wrote poems according to the situations that existed in their time.
So,what are you waiting for? An excellent way to learn about LatinAmerican History is by reading the amazing prose and poetry theregion has produced.
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FAQs
Who is the most famous Latin American poet? ›
Pablo Neruda, who was described by Gabriel García Márquez as "the greatest poet of the twentieth century in any language". Neruda's epic poem Canto General gained worldwide recognition as his "greatest work", and it the lyric voice gives a sweeping description of Latin America from pre-history to the 20th century.
What is the English translation of Amo Amas Rubén Darío? ›Amo, amas (I Love, You Love) by Rubén Darío
It is a feeling that gives us life and even if time passes—if we truly love someone—love will never die.
Notable Latino poets who write in Spanish, Spanglish, and English include Miguel Algarin, Giannina Braschi, Carmen Boullosa, Ana Castillo, Sandra Cisneros, Guillermo Gómez-Peña, Pedro Pietri, Miguel Piñero, and Tato Laviera.
What are the 10 most popular poem? ›- Still I Rise by Maya Angelou.
- Sonnet 18 by William Shakespeare.
- O Captain! My Captain! by Walt Whitman.
- The Raven by Edgar Allan Poe.
- Do not go gentle into that good night by Dylan Thomas.
- i carry your heart with me by e.e. cummings.
- Power by Audre Lorde.
- The Road Not Taken by Robert Frost.
"How Do I Love Thee?" by Elizabeth Barrett Browning
Perhaps one of the most famous love poems of all time, you've probably heard this one's iconic first lines. The rest is just as quotable.
Edgar Allan Poe is the most popular poet in America | YouGov.
Who is the Hispanic female poet? ›The main Latina poets are Gloria E. Anzaldúa, Giannina Braschi, Sandra Cisneros, Ana Castillo, Cherríe Moraga, and Lorna Dee Cervantes. Newer Latina poets include Ada Limon, Monica de la Torre, and Elizabeth Acevedo. Latina poetry has many different literary styles.
Who is the hero of Latin America? ›Simón Bolívar and José de San Martín were both called "the Liberator." They are unquestionably Latin America's two greatest heroes of the wars for independence, 1810 1824. Yet in Bolívar's case, the title rang across the continent.
What's the meaning of Te amo Hermosa? ›I love you, beautiful.
What does amo mean in English? ›love v (loved, loved)
Who is the most famous Latina? ›
...
10 Inspiring Latinas Who've Made History
- Ellen Ochoa. ...
- Joan Baez. ...
- Dolores Huerta. ...
- Selena. ...
- Sylvia Rivera. ...
- Ana Mendieta. ...
- Ileana Ros-Lehtinen. ...
- Julia de Burgos.
- Classic Poetry: Homer, The Iliad & The Odyssey.
- Willian Shakespeare And Poetry.
- Edgar Allan Poe, the Gothic Poet.
- Maya Angelou, The Heart Of Modern America.
- Oscar Wilde, The Irish Poet.
- Walt Whitman, A Humanist.
- Percy Bysshe Shelley, The Romantic Spirit.
- John Milton, The English Civil Servant.
The first Mexican-born poet to attain renown was Francisco de Terrazas, who composed fine sonnets in the Petrarchan style, probably during the last half of the 16th century.
What is a 10 word poem? ›A 10 word poem has no restrictions other than it can only have 10 words.
What is a 5 poem? ›A quintain (also known as a quintet) is any poetic form or stanza that contains five lines. Quintain poems can contain any line length or meter.
What is a 7 poem? ›A 7-line poem is called a Septet. It can also be known as a Rhyme Royal. Traditionally, Rhyme Royals have the following rhyming sequence: ababbcc.
What is an example of a love poem? ›"Shall I compare thee to a summer's day? (Sonnet 18)" by William Shakespeare. Although William Shakespeare may not have have written any romance novels, there are few more celebrated love poets and 'Shall I compare thee to a summer's day?' is perhaps the most iconic and recognizable opening line of any love poem.
What are 14 line love poems called? ›-The Spenserian sonnet is a 14-line poem developed by Edmund Spenser in his Amoretti, that varies the English form by interlocking the three quatrains (ABAB BCBC CDCD EE). -The stretched sonnet is extended to 16 or more lines, such as those in George Meredith's sequence Modern Love.
What is the first love poem? ›Before Kramer's discovery, The Song of Songs (sometimes called The Song of Solomon), which can be found in the Old Testament of the Bible, was believed to be the oldest love poem. The focus of that poem is the celebration of romantic and sexual love between two lovers.
Who is No 1 poet in world? ›1. William Shakespeare (1564–1616, England) William Shakespeare is arguably the world's most famous poet and playwright. His works have been translated into every major language, and his plays have been performed more often than those of any other playwright.
Who is America's best known female poet? ›
Emily Elizabeth Dickinson (December 10, 1830 – May 15, 1886) was an American poet. Little-known during her life, she has since been regarded as one of the most important figures in American poetry. Amherst, Massachusetts, U.S.
Who is the Latina woman? ›Definition of a Latina
It is important to note that Latino/a is an ethnic category, and one that encompasses various racial groups. Latinas are women of Puerto Rican, Cuban, Dominican, Central American, North South American, Spanish origin and Brazil. Though Brazil is part of Latin America.
Celia Cruz, the Queen of Latin Music, in one of her Classic Mermaid Dresses. Warm earth tones explore a dialogue of line, gesture, rhythm and voice.
Who is a Hispanic singer? ›In fact, the likes of Ricky Martin, Selena, and Enrique Iglesias — just to name a few — have taken the world by storm with their distinct music. Let's take a deep dive into 21 of the greatest and most famous Hispanic singers that have ever graced the music industry.
What do they call Latin America? ›The term "Latin America" is broader than categories such as Hispanic America, which specifically refers to Spanish-speaking countries; and Ibero-America, a term not generally used that specifically refers to both Spanish and Portuguese-speaking countries while leaving French and British excolonies aside. Latin America.
Who is the father of Latin America? ›A portrait of Simon Bolivar, nicknamed "El Libertador" (the Liberator) of South America, hangs in Miraflores Palace in Bolivar's hometown of Caracas, Venezuela. Miraflores Palace is the headquarters of the Venezuelan government. On July 24, 1783, Simon Bolivar was born in Caracas, in what is now Venezuela.
Is Latin America still America? ›Latin America is generally understood to consist of the entire continent of South America in addition to Mexico, Central America, and the islands of the Caribbean whose inhabitants speak a Romance language.
What gender is amo? ›amo m (plural amos, feminine ama)
What does Yo Te amo? ›Answer and Explanation: In Spanish, 'yo te amo' means 'I love you'. If you translate 'I love you' to Spanish, it can be translated as 'yo te amo' or 'yo te quiero', but with different meanings.
What is the Latin verb to love? ›Let's look at our first Latin verb: amo, amare, amavi, amatum (to love).
Is Mi Vida romantic? ›
Spanish Terms of Endearment for Partners
If you have a Spanish-speaking romantic partner, you've probably heard some of these pet names. Couples use them everywhere throughout Latin America and Spain. Mi vida – my life. A nice expression for showing your loved one how much they mean.
This phrase translates to, “I love you.” This is not something you'd say to a long-time friend or a 2nd cousin. Saying te amo is much more romantic and affectionate, and should be reserved for serious relationships and immediate family members.
Does TMO mean I love you? ›What does te amo mean? Te amo means “I love you” in Spanish and Portuguese.
What does BF mean in text? ›(Internet slang) Initialism of boyfriend. (Internet slang) Initialism of best friend.
Why is Te quiero I love you? ›The terms Te quiero and Te amo are derived from the verbs querer (to want) and amar (to love). Te quiero and Te amo can both mean “I love you”. The difference is that Te amo is considered more intimate, while Te quiero is considered more casual. Depending on how it's said, Te quiero can also mean “l want you”.
What is mi chula? ›1. ( colloquial) (feminine) (general) (Latin America) my girlfriend (feminine)
Is there a Latina American girl? ›'American Girl' turns 35 and re-releases its first Latina doll: Josefina Montoya.
Are Latina loyal? ›Latinas are dedicated, loyal and will put their heart and soul into whatever it is they are doing. Whether it be their career, home, children, men, hobby, etc. Latinas excel at what they set their mind to. Culturally, Latinx households have a matriarch whom is respected, admired and is the “leader” of the family.
Which country has most Latina? ›Mexico is the country with the largest number of native Spanish speakers in the world. As of 2021, 124.85 million people in Mexico spoke Spanish with a native command of the language.
Who is the greatest female poet of all time? ›- Sappho, The Lyric Poetess.
- Elizabeth Barrett Browning And Romanticism.
- Elizabeth Bishop, The Travelling Poet.
- Gwendolyn Brooks, A Poetic Genius.
- Maya Angelou, The Heart Of Modern America.
- Sylvia Plath.
- Emily Dickinson.
- Rupi Kaur.
Do poems have periods? ›
Periods mark a full stop. In poetry, a period at the end of a line is called an end-stop. This indicates a definite pause or full breath before the reader continues to the next line. If a period is used in the middle of a line, it creates a caesura.
Who is Mexico's national poet? ›...
| Octavio Paz | |
|---|---|
| Occupation | Writer poet diplomat |
| Period | 1931–1965 |
| Literary movement | Surrealism existentialism |
| Notable awards | Miguel de Cervantes Prize (1981) Nobel Prize in Literature (1990) |
Puerto Rico's most famous poet and greatest literary figure, Julia de Burgos is as significant a cultural figure for the island commonwealth as the artist Frida Kahlo is for Mexico.
Who made the first poetry? ›The oldest known "poems" are anonymous - such as the Rig Vedas of Hinduism, the Epic of Gilgamesh, and the Song of the Weaver by an unknown Egyptian of the Second Dynasty. The psalms and The Iliad are "attributed" to David and Homer, respectively - but painstaking scholarship has never given them exclusive credit.
What is the most romantic quote ever? ›“You are my heart, my life, my one and only thought.” “He stepped down, trying not to look long at her, as if she were the sun, yet he saw her, like the sun, even without looking.” “I cannot let you burn me up, nor can I resist you. No mere human can stand in a fire and not be consumed.”
What is considered the greatest love song of all time? ›- 'This Magic Moment' by the Drifters. ...
- 'At Last' by Etta James. ...
- 'Let's Stay Together' by Al Green. ...
- 'Unchained Melody' by the Righteous Brothers. ...
- 'God Only Knows' by the Beach Boys. ...
- 'Be My Baby' by the Ronettes. ...
- 'Slow Show' by the National. ...
- 'Maps' by Yeah Yeah Yeahs.
- I cherish you.
- I want a lifetime with you.
- I adore you.
- I am better because of you.
- I need you by my side.
- I cannot stop thinking about you.
- My love for you is unconditional and eternal.
- All of the good in my life is because of you.
- I adore you. Happy anniversary, Cheryl. I adore you.
- You complete me. I'm so happy with you. You complete me.
- You fill my heart with love. Happy Valentine's Day! You fill my heart with love.
- You're everything to me. The past few months have been wonderful. ...
- I'm crazy about you.
Affection a fondness or tender feeling toward another; love; emotion or feeling.
What is the #1 wedding song? ›1. "Perfect," by Ed Sheeran.
What is the 1 song of all time? ›
| Rank | Single | Year(s) released |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Blinding Lights" | 2019 |
| 2. | "The Twist" | 1960, 1961 ( re ) |
| 3. | "Smooth" | 1999 |
| 4. | "Mack the Knife" | 1959 |
- 1. “ I Will Always Love You” by Whitney Houston (1992) ...
- 2. “ I Will Always Love You” by Dolly Parton (1974) ...
- 3. “ A Sunday Kind of Love” by Etta James (1960) ...
- 4. “ Love Song” by Lana Del Rey (2019) ...
- 5. “ Some People Never Know” by Wings (1971) ...
- 6. “ ...
- 7. “ ...
- 8. “
- #1. From 'The Highwayman' by Alfred Noyes (1906) ...
- #2. 'A Red, Red Rose' by Robert Burns (1794) ...
- #3. 'Crossing the Bar' by Alfred, Lord Tennyson (1889) ...
- #4. From 'The Raven' by Edgar Allan Poe (1845) ...
- #5. From 'Howl' by Allan Ginsberg (1956) ...
- #6. ...
- #7. ...
- #8.
Here you will also find magnificent, compelling poems by William Shakespeare, Lord Byron, e. e. cummings, Emily Dickinson, John Donne, T. S. Eliot, Sylvia Plath, Ezra Pound, Percy Bysshe Shelley, Edmund Spenser, Alfred Tennyson, Dylan Thomas, Walt Whitman, William Wordsworth, and Sir Thomas Wyatt, among others.
What words make a man feel special? ›- “I love you. ...
- Know that in my heart, I love you – more than you know. ...
- “Sometimes, I feel that I don't deserve you. ...
- You've been the perfect man for me despite my moods.
- I am truly blessed to know and to have you in my life.”
- “I will love you more than yesterday.
: Words of Affirmation, Acts of Service, Receiving Gifts, Quality Time, and Physical Touch.