Community Reviews

Rating(4.1 / 5.0, 99 votes)
5 stars
36(36%)
4 stars
32(32%)
3 stars
31(31%)
2 stars
0(0%)
1 stars
0(0%)
99 reviews
July 15,2025
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Did I understand this? Not usually. The text presented some challenges in comprehension. However, when it came to appreciating the imagery and tone, the answer was yes. Sometimes, it was to a great extent. For example, the description like "Lincoln's numbered steps" created a vivid mental picture and set a certain tone that was quite engaging. It was engaging enough that I would be willing to listen for an hour or two as someone spoonfed it to me. Additionally, trying to understand the Spanish was also a nice experience. Frankly, it was not much more opaque than the English. There were similarities and differences in both languages that made the process of understanding an interesting one. It made me realize that language is not just about communication but also about the beauty and nuances it can convey.

July 15,2025
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Rooms Adrift

In the foundering cities, rooms and streets seem to be adrift. The names of these places are like wounds, carrying the weight of history and neglect. There are rooms with windows looking out on other rooms, all with the same discolored wallpaper. In one room, a man in shirtsleeves reads the news, while in another, a woman irons. There is a sunlit room whose only guest is the branches of a peach tree, and another room where it's always raining outside on the patio and the three boys have rusted green.

These rooms are like ships that rock in a gulf of light, or submarines where silence dissolves into green waves and all that we touch phosphoresces. There are also the tombs of luxury, with their portraits nibbled and rugs unraveling, as well as the traps, cells, enchanted grottoes, birdcages, and numbered rooms. But then, something magical happens. All of these rooms are transformed and take flight. Every molding becomes a cloud, every door leads to the sea, the country, or the open air. Every table is set for a banquet. Time, impenetrable as conches, lays siege to them in vain, for there is no more time and there are no walls. Space, space, open your hand, gather these riches, pluck the fruit, eat of life, and stretch out under the tree and drink!

This description of the rooms is a powerful metaphor for the human experience, showing how we can find beauty and meaning even in the most unlikely of places. It also suggests that we have the power to transform our lives and break free from the constraints that hold us back.
July 15,2025
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I truly relished this poem. Initially, I was not aware that it mirrored the Aztec calendar (thus the poem's title), but now that I have discovered this fact, it has become even more fascinating!

I had to look up several words and historical allusions in order to understand the (English edition) poem. However, I take pleasure in doing so. It gives the impression of a puzzle, and the end result is highly rewarding.

I am certain that some aspects of the poem eluded my comprehension, but the parts that I did understand, I truly adored.

My favorite lines are as follows:

"Tigers drink their dreams in those eyes"

"A pair of eyes blocks the way to the future"

"A mind transfixed by an eye that watches/ it watching itself till it drowns itself/ in clarity"

"The world is born when two people kiss/
El mundo nace cuando dos se besan"

And my absolute favorite...

"Better to be stoned in the plaza than to turn/ the mill that squeezes out the juice of life/ that turns eternity into empty hours/ minutes into prisons, and time into/ copper coins and abstract shit"
July 15,2025
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Maravilloso libro, un poema enorme, bello. It is truly a remarkable work that captivates the reader from the very first page. The words seem to dance on the paper, creating a vivid and enchanting world. The author's use of language is masterful, painting pictures and evoking emotions with every sentence. It is a book that can be read and reread, each time revealing new depths and nuances. Whether you are a lover of poetry or simply looking for a beautiful and engaging read, this libro is sure to delight. It is a testament to the power of literature and the ability of words to transport us to another place and time.

July 15,2025
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I’m still in the process of learning how to fully approach and appreciate poetry. However, Paz’s Sunstone is so incredibly vibrant that it’s effortless to simply let his words carry you along on the journey.

Although on the surface his poem appears to be cyclical, there are actually several cycles embedded within it. At first, it flows with lush and vivacious life, as if painting a vivid picture of a world full of energy and vitality.

But then, it ebbs with a stark and hollow death, bringing a sense of emptiness and finality.

This poem reminds me more of a spiral than a circle. It seems to celebrate the ongoing and extreme nadirs of nature, humanity, identity, and love.

It takes the reader on a journey that is both beautiful and profound, making them think about the different aspects of life and how they all interact and evolve.

Overall, Paz’s Sunstone is a remarkable piece of poetry that has the power to touch the hearts and minds of those who read it.
July 15,2025
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Marvellous illustrations and surrealist lyricism

These two elements combine to create a truly captivating and unique artistic experience. The marvellous illustrations draw the viewer in with their vivid colors, intricate details, and imaginative compositions. They seem to transport us to another world, a world filled with奇幻 and wonder.

On the other hand, the surrealist lyricism adds an extra layer of depth and emotion to the work. The words flow like a river, carrying with them a sense of mystery and ambiguity. They make us question our perceptions and challenge our understanding of reality.

Together, these two elements create a synergy that is both powerful and enchanting. They invite us to explore our own subconscious minds and to discover the hidden beauty and truth that lies within. Whether we are looking at a painting, reading a poem, or listening to a song, the combination of marvellous illustrations and surrealist lyricism has the ability to touch our hearts and souls and to leave a lasting impression on us.
July 15,2025
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There is only one way to assess something as profound, on so many different levels, as ‘Sunstone’, and that is with the highest rating possible.

In reality, I read this twice but I think I will read it again - a few times. Why? Sr. Paz Lozano’s magnificent skill which turned this into a poem that begins again on its last lines is one of the reasons. More importantly, however, there are so many layers of meaning hidden in this work it would take a very long time to get at all of them.

I have my qualms about the translation I read, because it does not seem to correspond very well with the original in all parts. This is, in part, understandable because in poetry the meaning of the words needs to be aligned with the pace of the phrasing. But nevertheless I feel that this could have been better overall.

This is definitely one of the best poems I’ve read. In style and composition, it is much newer and fresher than the majority of poetry I like.

The lines such as “and the magic of reflections resurrects / a willow of crystal, a poplar of water, / a pillar of fountain by the wind drawn over, / a tree that is firmly rooted and that dances…” are truly enchanting. They paint a vivid picture in the reader's mind and add to the overall beauty and allure of the poem.

This review was originally posted on my blog.
July 15,2025
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There is nothing left of me but the wounded. This simple sentence holds a profound sense of desolation and loss. It implies that everything else that once defined a person has been stripped away, leaving only the pain and the scars. The word "wounded" here could refer to physical injuries, emotional trauma, or a combination of both. It suggests that the person has endured a great deal and has been left in a state of vulnerability and brokenness.


Perhaps this person has经历了 a major event such as a war, a natural disaster, or a personal tragedy. Or maybe they have been dealing with ongoing issues like illness, poverty, or relationship problems. Whatever the cause, the result is the same: they feel as if they have nothing left but their wounds.


However, it's important to note that even in the midst of such pain and loss, there is always hope. The human spirit is incredibly resilient, and people have the ability to heal and grow from their experiences. With time, support, and a positive attitude, it is possible to find meaning and purpose in life again, even after the most difficult of circumstances.

July 15,2025
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Paz is not only a remarkable poet but also an outstanding essayist. This independent work is truly unique. It gradually builds up momentum and emotion, carrying all the way to the very last period. In fact, the poem concludes with a colon, creating a sense that there is more to come. The rhythm and the way the words dance in this piece are unrivaled, enhancing its indescribable quality. There is simply nothing else quite like it. It stands alone as a masterpiece, captivating readers with its beauty and power. The way Paz weaves words together to create such a vivid and engaging experience is a testament to his extraordinary talent as a writer. Whether read as a poem or an essay, this work leaves a lasting impression on the reader, inviting them to explore its depths again and again.

July 15,2025
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The poem delves into duality, symbolizing transformation and continuity.

It reflects Mexican history and identity through primordial and profound images.

The presence of time is palpable, revealing prophecies and the connection with the future, which is marked by light and hope.

This exploration offers a unique perspective on the essence of Mexican culture and its evolution over time.

The use of vivid imagery allows the reader to vividly envision the scenes and emotions described in the poem.

It invites us to沉思 on the significance of transformation and continuity in our own lives and in the broader context of history.

The link provided, https://briseidaalcala.com/2024/11/04..., offers further insights into the topic and allows for a more in-depth study of the poem and its themes.

Overall, the poem serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of understanding and embracing our past while looking forward to a future filled with hope and possibility.
July 15,2025
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Just like imagining something impossible, Octavio Paz's poem has a melting of time, which drips slowly like a drizzle on a cloudy day.

This poem is able to flow forcefully, yet at the same time the words become difficult to recognize, evading being summarized for their meaning.

And, there is no need to bother to understand "Sunstone", because this poem will find its own way within the reader.

Octavio Paz's poetry is a unique exploration of language and time. It challenges the reader to engage with the words on a deeper level, to let the poem's meaning unfold naturally.

The slow drip of time in the poem creates a sense of mystery and wonder, as if the reader is being drawn into a world where the normal rules of time and space do not apply.

Overall, Octavio Paz's poetry is a powerful and thought-provoking art form that invites the reader to explore the limits of language and the human imagination.
July 15,2025
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I think now I understand what poetry is.

A good poem lasts in people's hearts, but not all hearts, only those that are open to absolute mystery.

It has an untranslatable meaning, but it must be in a beautiful way.

Yes, the stone of the sun is a poem about not going to sleep.

Poetry is a unique form of expression that can touch the deepest parts of our souls.

It uses words in a creative and imaginative way to convey emotions, ideas, and experiences.

A great poem has the power to make us see the world in a new light, to feel things we have never felt before, and to inspire us to be better people.

Whether it is a simple haiku or a long epic, poetry has the ability to move us and make us think.

It is a gift that has been passed down through the ages, and it continues to enrich our lives today.
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