Song of the Heart: Selected Poems

by Ramón López Velarde, Juan Soriano (Illustrator), Margaret Sayers Peden (Translator)

Ramón López Velarde (1888-1921) was one of the most Mexican of Mexican poets, whose sense of history found expression in many poems, including his best-known "La suave Patria" ("Sweet Land"). This bilingual collection, drawn primarily from Poesías completas y el minutero, offers English-language readers our first book-length introduction to his poetry. Often called a "poet of the provinces," López Velarde gives us a glimpse into a slower and more gentle way of life. His poems present the contrast between city and hometown and between urban and pastoral landscapes. Through these contrasts runs the thread of religious faith, while urgency of language informs the entire body of his poetic production. Original, specially commissioned drawings by noted contemporary Mexican artist Juan Soriano complement the poems. This combination of poetry and art speaks to universal emotions; indeed the poetry of López Velarde belongs to everyone who sings the Song of the Heart.

Genres: Poetry

114 pages, Paperback

First published January 28, 1995

About the author

Ramón López Velarde was a Mexican poet. His work is generally considered to be postmodern, but is unique for its subject matter. He achieved great fame in his native land, to the point of being considered Mexico's national poet.

Reviews

[EIJANDOLUM · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cloak myself in the opaque darkness, and for you compose these lines, whose recondite rhyme will reveal itself in a flash of divination, each word a nocturnal petal whose message sends an unfamiliar shiver up and down your spine.

[Ayrton De Souza · Rating 5 out of 5]

como diria o julio frança, com o sotaque mais carioca possível

"gó-ti-coh"

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was very glad to find a book with the Spanish text included. Though my Spanish is poor it was good to hear Lopez Velarde's rhythm, and the English translation of it seemed competent and well done.