The Collected Poems, 1957-1987 by octavio paz

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 15,2025

Cool water poured down my neck on humid days.

It was a refreshing sensation that provided a momentary escape from the oppressive heat and humidity. The water trickled down, sending shivers through my body and awakening my senses.

Love in the madhouse, on the other hand, was a concept that seemed both absurd and captivating. In a place where chaos and confusion reigned, love managed to find its way in.

It was a love that defied all logic and reason, a love that flourished in the midst of insanity.

Perhaps it was the contrast between the madness and the purity of love that made it so enchanting.

Or maybe it was the fact that love had the power to bring order and meaning to a world that otherwise seemed devoid of it.

Whatever the reason, love in the madhouse was a phenomenon that intrigued and fascinated me.

I found myself drawn to the idea of love existing in the most unlikely of places, and I wondered what it would be like to experience such a love.

Would it be intense and passionate, or would it be a quiet and gentle love that sustained through the chaos?

Only time would tell.

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DryBread

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 15,2025

I'm reading this in Spanish a little each night, out loud.

The main point is to enhance my Spanish pronunciation and progress towards half fluency. However, the poetry has been a revelation.

Someone of Paz's caliber perhaps shouldn't come as a revelation, yet I've never read his poetry before.

He manipulates language in a manner that I never察觉到 in Neruda, Borges, and Garcia Lorca, the three Spanish-language poets whom I know the best.

His use of words and phrases seems to have a unique charm and rhythm that sets him apart.

As I read his poetry aloud, I can feel myself getting more in tune with the language and its nuances.

It's like uncovering a hidden treasure chest of beautiful expressions and ideas.

I'm looking forward to continuing my exploration of Paz's poetry and seeing how it further enriches my understanding and appreciation of the Spanish language.

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IvernedIt

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 15,2025

Sunstone is truly one of the most captivating and beautiful poems I have ever had the pleasure of reading. EVER.

It weaves a tapestry of words that draw the reader in, painting vivid images and evoking a range of emotions.

The language used is so rich and lyrical, flowing like a gentle stream.

Each line seems to hold a hidden meaning, waiting to be discovered by the discerning eye.

The poem takes the reader on a journey through the poet's thoughts and feelings, exploring themes of love, loss, and hope.

It is a masterpiece that will stay with you long after you have finished reading it, leaving you with a sense of wonder and a deeper appreciation for the power of poetry.

Whether you are a seasoned poetry lover or just beginning to explore the world of verse, Sunstone is a must-read.

It is a shining example of the beauty and magic that can be created with words.

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OpalAuthor14

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 15,2025

I have a profound love for the poetry of Octavio Paz. His verse, when presented in his native Spanish, is like a brightly painted canvas that comes alive with vivid colors and emotions. It resounds with a beauty and rhythm that is truly captivating.

However, when it comes to the translations of his work into English, there is much room for improvement. In many cases, especially in some of Bishop's translations, the rhythm that was so prominent in the original Spanish is lost. It becomes plodding and lacks the grace and fluidity that made the original so enchanting.

Despite this, Paz's poetry itself still deserves a 5-star rating. It is a masterpiece of literature that has the power to move and inspire. But the translations, unfortunately, barely deserve 2 stars. They fail to fully capture the essence and beauty of the original. So, taking all of this into consideration, I would say a rating of 3.5 is appropriate. But since we usually round down, I will give it a final rating of 3 stars.

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Lychee777

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 15,2025

Listen to me as you would to the rain.
The wet street is shining.
The moon comes and goes.
The night looks and turns to me.
You are in your room, melancholy.

I, a human, can't find myself much.
And the night is endless.
But I look at the sky:
The stars are writing.
Slowly I follow the steps.
That I too will be written.
And at this moment someone calls my name.

Octavio Paz opened his eyes to the world in 1914 in Mexico City. In his youth, he learned social values from his father and literature from his grandfather, and finally chose poetry instead of law. In 1980, Harvard University awarded him an honorary doctorate, and in 1981, he received the Cervantes Prize, the most important literary award in Spain. Finally, in 1990, the Swedish Academy awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature to Octavio Paz, the renowned Mexican poet, in recognition of his half-century of effort in the field of Mexican poetry and literature. Paz passed away in 1998 due to cancer.

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QuietDiscourse

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 15,2025

Great! I can't find one thing missing from its hold. This statement implies a sense of completeness and thoroughness. It suggests that whatever is being referred to is in a perfect state, without any omissions or deficiencies. It could be a container that is fully stocked, a plan that is comprehensive, or a situation that is flawless. The use of the word "great" emphasizes the positive nature of this discovery. It gives the impression that the speaker is pleased and satisfied with the state of affairs. Overall, this simple sentence conveys a powerful message of perfection and satisfaction.

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Stellio

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 15,2025

One of my favorite poetry books,

after decades of reading hundreds of poets - or more,

is a collection that has truly touched my soul. The words within its pages seem to dance and sing, painting vivid pictures in my mind and evoking a wide range of emotions. Each poem is a unique exploration of the human experience, delving into themes such as love, loss, joy, and sorrow. The poet's use of language is masterful, with carefully chosen words and phrases that create a rhythm and flow that is both captivating and enchanting. Reading this book is like embarking on a journey through the poet's heart and mind, and I always come away feeling inspired and enlightened. It is a book that I return to again and again, finding new meaning and beauty with each reading.

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Neolavender123

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 15,2025

Nature has always been a beautiful source of inspiration.

Its diverse landscapes, from majestic mountains to vast oceans, from lush forests to colorful meadows, offer countless stimuli for our creativity.

The changing seasons bring new colors and textures, inspiring artists, writers, and musicians to create works that capture the essence of each time of year.

The sounds of nature, such as the chirping of birds, the rustling of leaves, and the crashing of waves, can also inspire us to write poetry, compose music, or simply find peace and tranquility.

In addition, the unique forms and patterns found in nature, such as the symmetry of a snowflake or the spiral of a seashell, have inspired architects, designers, and engineers to create innovative and beautiful structures and products.

Overall, nature is a never-ending source of inspiration that enriches our lives and fuels our creativity.

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The Collected Poems, 1957-1987

octavio paz eliot weinberger elizabeth bishop

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