I have to say I had a little bit of a hard time with this. I particularly liked Martí's poetry that discussed his experiences with the fight for independence, but I felt like a lot was lost in translation. I don't read rhymed, metered poetry very well--I get hung up on the flow and rhythm, especially when it isn't right, and there were lots of inconsistencies in the English. I give translator Anne Fountain credit for the hard work--I know it's a mighty task; I'll just have to try the Spanish when I learn it one day. :) ( )

I’ve read a handful of José Martí’s poems in the past (particularly those depicting his love of country and fight for independence), quoted a great deal of them in several of my Facebook posts, even loved and gotten heartbroken at the same time by a particular poem he wrote for his Guatemalan muse.. His poetry is vivid and truthful, and resonates deeply with my progressive soul.

Some favorites:

Do not put me in the dark
To die like a traitor;
I am good, and like a good thing
I will die with my face to the sun!
-“Verse XXIII”

When weighed by the cross, a man
Resolves to die for the right;
He does all the good he can,
And returns bathed in the light.
-“Verse XXVI” ( )