Intellectual

Really this student deserves an A, at least by the standards we keep here.  I have to give him an A- because there are imperfections in his paper and he wants these recognized.  This is good and interesting work, he says, but not his best. If I give him a straight A he will not … More Intellectual

El sur

I keep seeing professors advise each other on the wise use of time. One must not spend too much time on anything, because one must progress, I know. But I protest. I am not recommending that people assign too much time to anything in particular. I have just always found that realistic estimates, for time … More El sur

On Unamuno

What do you think of Miguel de Unamuno? I think Miguel de Unamuno is really weird. But I have just come across Frances Wyers’ book on him and her tone is pleasantly arch. Axé.

Aire de nocturno

Tengo mucho miedo de las hojas muertas, miedo de los prados llenos de rocío. Yo voy a dormirme; si no me despiertas, dejaré a tu lado mi corazón frío. ¿Qué es eso que suena muy lejos? Amor. El viento en las vidrieras, ¡amor mío! Te puse collares con gemas de aurora. ¿Por qué me abandonas … More Aire de nocturno

Sorpresa

Soleá de Cádiz Muerto se quedó en la calle con un puñal en el pecho. No lo conocía nadie. ¡Cómo temblaba el farol! Madre. ¡Cómo temblaba el farolito de la calle! Era madrugada. Nadie pudo asomarse a sus ojos abiertos al duro aire. Que muerto se quedó en la calle que con un puñal en … More Sorpresa

Federico

The soundtrack on this video is by the amazing flamenco singer Estrella Morente, and you really should listen to it. My cat was or is, no sabemos, Federico, after FGL and specifically, Libro de poemas. We will be reading most of this book on this blog in the coming weeks. Axé.