America / Fernando Valverde ; translated and with an introduction by Carolyn Forché.

Port Townsend, Washington : Copper Canyon Press, [2021]

xx, 171 pages ; 23 cm

Parallel Spanish text and English translation.

"In Fernando Valverde's América, "sorrow is ancient." Mournfully lyrical, politically sharp, with a sweeping view of American roots, dysfunctions, and ideals-as if from above, and yet also from within-this is a book that deconstructs the legacy of empire. From the Mississippi River to Fulton Avenue, from slavery to "lone wolf" shooters, Valverde grieves but does not wince away from all that is lost to greed and a culture of violence, painting an urgent portrait of "the thirst of America / a smile satisfied to death." Valverde is widely regarded as one of the most important younger Spanish-language poets. Here his vibrant voice and convictions are translated and introduced by Carolyn Forché, herself a world-renowned poet of witness"-- Provided by publisher.

English; Spanish

March 10, 2022