Octavio Paz: Poet, Diplomat, Icon
The other day I decided to clean out the garage. As I was moving boxes from one side to another, I stumbled upon some old books I read back in my school days. From books of philosophy and film to astronomy and English, it was like revisiting a time capsule of my academic past.
As I traced my fingers along the spine of each book, I spotted a book that caught my eye: "Mexican Poetry: An Anthology by Octavio Paz." Seeing that book brought back memories of his poems and essays, trying to unravel the depths of Mexican culture and identity through his words.
Octavio Paz was more than just a poet; he was a cultural icon, a diplomat, and a voice for justice. Representing Mexico on the global stage and using his platform to advocate for democracy and human rights. His resignation in protest against the Tlatelolco massacre (military massacre committed against students) in 1968 stands as a testament to his commitment to justice. His words transcended borders, exploring themes of love, history, and human experience with a depth that still resonates today.
As I flipped through the anthology, I was reminded of Paz's ability to weave intricate narratives with simple words, to paint vivid pictures of Mexico's rich tapestry of life and tradition. His poems captured the essence of a nation, its struggles and triumphs, its beauty and complexity.
One of my favorite poems of Octavio Paz is called 'Silencio'
Así como del fondo de la música
brota una nota
que mientras vibra crece y se adelgaza
hasta que en otra música enmudece,
brota del fondo del silencio
otro silencio, aguda torre, espada,
y sube y crece y nos suspende
y mientras sube caen
recuerdos, esperanzas,
las pequeñas mentiras y las grandes,
y queremos gritar y en la garganta
se desvanece el grito:
desembocamos al silencio
en donde los silencios enmudecen.
As I sat in the garage, surrounded by dusty boxes and forgotten books, I couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude for stumbling upon that old box of memories. Octavio Paz may no longer be with us, but his words live on, reminding us of the power of poetry to transcend borders, bridge cultures, and ignite change.
As I traced my fingers along the spine of each book, I spotted a book that caught my eye: "Mexican Poetry: An Anthology by Octavio Paz." Seeing that book brought back memories of his poems and essays, trying to unravel the depths of Mexican culture and identity through his words.
Octavio Paz was more than just a poet; he was a cultural icon, a diplomat, and a voice for justice. Representing Mexico on the global stage and using his platform to advocate for democracy and human rights. His resignation in protest against the Tlatelolco massacre (military massacre committed against students) in 1968 stands as a testament to his commitment to justice. His words transcended borders, exploring themes of love, history, and human experience with a depth that still resonates today.
As I flipped through the anthology, I was reminded of Paz's ability to weave intricate narratives with simple words, to paint vivid pictures of Mexico's rich tapestry of life and tradition. His poems captured the essence of a nation, its struggles and triumphs, its beauty and complexity.
One of my favorite poems of Octavio Paz is called 'Silencio'
Así como del fondo de la música
brota una nota
que mientras vibra crece y se adelgaza
hasta que en otra música enmudece,
brota del fondo del silencio
otro silencio, aguda torre, espada,
y sube y crece y nos suspende
y mientras sube caen
recuerdos, esperanzas,
las pequeñas mentiras y las grandes,
y queremos gritar y en la garganta
se desvanece el grito:
desembocamos al silencio
en donde los silencios enmudecen.
As I sat in the garage, surrounded by dusty boxes and forgotten books, I couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude for stumbling upon that old box of memories. Octavio Paz may no longer be with us, but his words live on, reminding us of the power of poetry to transcend borders, bridge cultures, and ignite change.
Leave a comment