Contributions by Antonio Machado
Antonio Machado (1875–1939) was a Spanish poet and a key figure in the cultural movement known as the Generation of ’98. His work dwells on the landscapes of Spain, especially Castilla, and is influenced by medieval poetry, French surrealism, social realism, spiritual conflicts, and the philosophy of Henri Bergson. Contemporary poets such as Geoffrey Hill, Derek Walcott, and Robert Bly have acknowledged his impact on their own work.
Antonio Machado: Covers by Daniel Evans Pritchard
ALONG THE DUERO
A stork at the bell tower’s peak
circled around its height and around the home below
as the little swallows squealed. Dry winds have crossed
a long, long winter of snow, escaping the inferno.
_________Tomorrow, it might be nice.
Today, the sun bakes the poor earth of Soriana.
The pines are so green they’re
nearly blue and spring
electrifies the poplar blooms
along the highway
and the river, the Duero running gently, terse and mute.
The landscape isn’t innocent; it is down-soft, ripe and cleft.
In the weeds a solitary, shy flower unfolds,
blue—or white… Beauty, beauty tremendous: the meadow unflowered yet,
the mystic spring—
albas flanking the white streets and riverbanks poplar-flush,
and the frothing apex of the mountain
is outlined in remotest blue,
the daysun rising, clearest day—
enchanted, this vision of Spain!
*
THE GOLDEN APRIL MORNING SMILED…
The golden April morning smiled
_____and the pearl moon
slid
_____into the cleave
_________of the curved horizon,
with … Read More »
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