This is my first encounter with any of Paz's poetry.

As I delved into the words, I was immediately struck by the intensity that pervaded each line.

The imagery was so vivid and evocative that it seemed to transport me to another world, a world that was both beautiful and dark.

Paz's use of language was masterful, as he was able to convey complex emotions and ideas with such simplicity and elegance.

The darkness that I sensed in his poetry was not one of despair, but rather one of a deep understanding of the human condition.

It was as if he was shining a light on the hidden corners of our souls,揭示出那些我们 often try to hide from ourselves.

Overall, this first reading of Paz's poetry was a truly unforgettable experience, and I look forward to exploring more of his work in the future.

I read this book in English, and it truly left a profound impact on me.

However, I just wish I knew Spanish to read it in its original language as well. I find Paz' poetry to be like a powerful whirlwind that sweeps through the atmosphere, or a strong current with rapids and magnificent waterfalls rushing by.

The beauty and intensity of his words are simply captivating. I've frequently recited some of his most renowned works such as "Sunstone", "Happiness in Herat" and "By the Stream" in poetry readings within my Candlelight Reading Series.

It is truly a great book that not only showcases the brilliance of Paz' poetic talent but also allows readers to embark on a journey of emotions and imagination.

I highly recommend this book to all poetry enthusiasts.

4 1/2 stars

This rating of 4 1/2 stars indicates a very high level of quality and satisfaction. It suggests that the subject being evaluated has exceeded expectations in many aspects.

Perhaps it is a product that functions exceptionally well, has a great design, and offers excellent value for money. Or it could be a service that is delivered with professionalism, efficiency, and a high degree of customer care.

A 4 1/2-star rating is not easy to achieve, as it requires consistent excellence and attention to detail. It is a testament to the hard work and dedication of those involved in creating or providing the item or service.

Customers who see a 4 1/2-star rating are likely to be more inclined to give it a try, knowing that they are likely to be impressed. It can also serve as a source of pride for the company or individual responsible for the high rating.

In conclusion, a 4 1/2-star rating is a significant achievement that should be celebrated and cherished. It sets a high standard for others to follow and is a clear indication of quality and excellence.

Paz is the reason I learn Spanish.

Her works have always fascinated me. The way she uses words to express complex emotions and ideas is truly remarkable.

Reading her poems and essays, I feel as if I am transported to a different world, a world full of passion, beauty, and mystery.

I want to be able to understand her works in their original language, to fully appreciate the nuances and subtleties that might be lost in translation.

Learning Spanish has been a challenging but rewarding experience. It has opened up a whole new world of literature, music, and culture for me.

Every time I make progress in my studies, I feel a sense of accomplishment and joy.

I know that I still have a long way to go, but I am determined to continue learning and growing.

Thanks to Paz, I have discovered a new passion and a new way of looking at the world.

A pulse-beat, insisting,

persevering through the ebb and flow of time. It is like a drumbeat that never ceases, driving forward with an unwavering determination.

A surge of wet syllables, flowing like a river of emotions. They pour out, unrestrained, carrying with them the essence of the heart and soul.

Together, the pulse-beat and the wet syllables create a symphony of life. They tell a story of struggle, of passion, of love and loss.

They are the building blocks of our existence, the threads that weave the fabric of our experiences.

And as we listen to this symphony, we are reminded of the beauty and complexity of life. We are inspired to keep going, to follow our hearts, and to let our voices be heard.

For in the end, it is the pulse-beat and the wet syllables that define us, that make us who we are.

The beauty of the Spanish language is vividly demonstrated here as readers carefully read Paz's poetry in both English and Spanish.

Paz has a remarkable ability to take the simplest of nature themes and transform them into a spiritual mythology that nourishes a hungry soul.

His words seem to dance on the page, painting vivid pictures of the natural world and its profound connection to the human spirit.

As readers explore his poetry, they are transported to a world where the beauty of nature and the depth of the human soul converge.

The Spanish language, with its rich vocabulary and musical cadence, adds an extra layer of magic to Paz's work.

It allows readers to fully immerse themselves in the beauty and wonder of his words, experiencing the power of his poetry on a deeper level.

Whether read in English or Spanish, Paz's poetry is a testament to the beauty and power of language, and a source of inspiration for all who seek to explore the mysteries of the human spirit.

This score is for the book and not this translation. A comprehensive comparison between the translations of Ahmad Shamlou, Mr. Mir Alaei, Bahar Afsari, the controversial translation of Yaghma Golrouii, and the present book is sufficient to show the weakness of the translation.

The score of Mr. Naziri's translation is 1.5 out of 5.

This assessment indicates that the translation may have several不足之处. It could potentially lack accuracy in conveying the original meaning, have issues with grammar or syntax, or fail to capture the nuances and style of the original text.

It is important to note that a translation should strive to be as faithful as possible to the source material while also being understandable and流畅 in the target language. A low score such as 1.5 suggests that there is significant room for improvement in this regard.

Perhaps further revisions and edits are needed to enhance the quality of the translation and make it more worthy of the original work.

Truth be told, I am an avid reader of poetry.

It seems that too many people, on average, have some sort of "issue" with poetry. Well, it's true that poetry is different. It has the leeway to disobey or distort grammar. It leans towards being succinct and pithy, but often requires multiple readings.

So, if I read a lot of poetry, why is this the first time I'm reviewing it on Goodreads? One doesn't read a book of poetry in the same way as any other kind of book. Although I do challenge you to read a book of poetry from beginning to end, like any other book.

I dip in and out of Octavio Paz's "Collected Poems 1957-1987", a thick volume I borrowed from the library. There's no way I can read it all within the allotted time, though I can renew it multiple times. So, I simply dip in and out.

That's the idea with poetry: dipping. It's not like hors d'oeuvres in relation to the main course. It's more like a vitamin supplement, something that reaches the cellular or microbial level of language.

I turned to Paz after already familiarizing myself with what might be his Spanish language counterpart, Pablo Neruda. Both are quintessential modernists, not burdened by the schism between "the beats" and the academy in the United States. Their syntaxes are rigorous yet more relaxed than that of someone like Sylvia Plath or Robert Lowell. Of course, I must also consider that Paz's work is filtered through translation, and I might apply a stereotypical south-of-the-border attitude to his style.

I like to have books of poetry around to give myself a break from other forms of stimulation. There's no way I'm going to dispute Paz's greatness. Of course, in this volume, some poems are better than others, though I'm clearly having a hard time with the specifics of reviewing poetry. There are short and long poems, and occasionally, just what you might be looking for: the ecstatic burst.

A few lines from "The Balcony" (a long poem) by Octavio Paz:

Stillness

in the middle of the night

not adrift with centuries

not spreading out

nailed

like a fixed idea

to the center of incandescence

(ps. Here's another aspect of poetry "breaking the rules" as the Goodreads' word processor won't allow the word "nailed", as it is written or placed in Paz's poem, to have its own line but pushes it so it falls directly after "not spreading out" - just so you know)

He is truly a master.

His poems possess an enchanting allure that has captivated my heart and mind.

The beauty and depth within his words are simply无与伦比.

Each line seems to be carefully crafted, carrying profound meanings and emotions.

I find myself completely immersed in his poetic world whenever I pick up his works.

It is as if he has the power to transport me to different realms and make me experience a plethora of feelings.

Therefore, I have made a vow that I will never stop reading these poems.

They have become an essential part of my life, enriching my soul and inspiring me in countless ways.

With every reading, I discover new nuances and interpretations, making the experience ever more rewarding.

He is indeed a literary giant, and his poems will continue to be cherished and revered for generations to come.

I am grateful to have discovered his works and look forward to many more years of enjoying the magic of his poetry.

This is the James Joyce of Hispanic literature. His works are truly remarkable and unique.

You must read this in Spanish, as translations are a total waste of time. In his writing, he plays with words and the sounds of words in the most fascinating way.

He is more of a poet than a novelist, as his use of language is so lyrical and富有诗意.

The novelist Angel Asturias is maybe even more Joyce-like. His works also exhibit a similar playfulness with language and a deep exploration of the human psyche.

Reading their works in the original Spanish is an experience that cannot be replicated through translation. It allows you to fully appreciate the beauty and complexity of their language and their artistic vision.

So, if you have the opportunity, do not hesitate to pick up a book by this great Hispanic writer and immerse yourself in his world of words and sounds.

Everything is a door.

It implies that every situation, every opportunity, and every aspect of our lives can be seen as a gateway to something new and different.

All one needs is the light push of a thought.

This simple yet profound statement emphasizes the power of our thoughts.

A single thought, no matter how small or fleeting, has the potential to open the door and lead us to new experiences, growth, and possibilities.

It could be a thought of courage to take a risk, a thought of curiosity to explore the unknown, or a thought of determination to overcome an obstacle.

By harnessing the power of our thoughts and using them to gently push open the doors that present themselves, we can embark on a journey of self-discovery and fulfillment.

So, let us be mindful of our thoughts and use them as the key to unlock the many doors that await us in life.

The third (or fourth) best Mexican poet, according to my taste and distaste. There are many remarkable poets in the rich literary landscape of Mexico. Each one brings their own unique style, themes, and emotions to the forefront. When considering who might be the third or fourth best, it becomes a subjective matter. Some may prefer poets who are known for their vivid imagery and lyrical language, while others might be drawn to those who explore deep social and political issues. It could also be a poet who has a particular charm or authenticity in their work that sets them apart. However, this ranking is not set in stone and can vary depending on different perspectives and interpretations. Nevertheless, these poets all contribute to the vibrant and diverse world of Mexican poetry, leaving a lasting impact on the literary scene.