A SONG FOR THE WIND : A TESTAMENT TO THE POWER OF ART !
SANKHA SUBHRA DEVBARMAN
July 16, 2025
Latin American literature is very popular in India. People in India enthusiastically read works by writers and poets from many Latin American countries. However, it is also true that Indian readers are less familiar with Puerto Rico, a small but significant part of Latin America. This beautiful country is a self-governing Caribbean archipelago and island, organized as an unincorporated territory of the United States under the designation of a commonwealth.
Latin American literature holds a special place in the hearts of readers in India, where it enjoys widespread popularity. Indian audiences eagerly explore the works of renowned writers and poets from various Latin American nations, immersing themselves in the rich cultural and literary traditions of the region. Despite this enthusiasm, there remains a noticeable gap in awareness when it comes to Puerto Rico, a small yet culturally significant part of Latin America. This stunning Caribbean archipelago, composed of a main island and several smaller ones, is often overlooked by Indian readers. Puerto Rico's unique political status as a self-governing, unincorporated territory of the United States, officially designated as a commonwealth, adds to its distinct identity within the Latin American context. While the literary contributions of larger Latin American countries are celebrated in India, the vibrant stories and voices emerging from Puerto Rico deserve equal attention. The island's blend of indigenous, African, and Spanish influences creates a literary tapestry that is both unique and deeply connected to the broader Latin American narrative. Expanding awareness of Puerto Rican literature could further enrich the already diverse literary landscape that Indian readers cherish. By delving into the works of Puerto Rican authors, Indian audiences can gain a more comprehensive understanding of the region's literary diversity and cultural depth. The shared appreciation for Latin American literature in India provides a perfect opportunity to bridge this gap and introduce readers to the lesser-known but equally compelling literary traditions of Puerto Rico.
Puerto Rican poetry traces its origins to the island's indigenous oral traditions, later shaped by Spanish colonization. In the 19th century, poets like María Bibiana Benítez gained prominence, with her 1832 poem "La Ninfa de Puerto Rico" standing as one of the earliest known works by a Puerto Rican woman. The early 20th century introduced Luis Palés Matos, a trailblazer of the Afro-Antillano poetry movement, who infused Afro-Caribbean rhythms and themes into Spanish verse. By the mid-20th century, the Nuyorican Movement emerged, featuring poets of Puerto Rican descent in New York, such as Miguel Algarín, who captured their bicultural experiences through compelling poetry.
Puerto Rican poets have made a profound impact on global literature, particularly through the Nuyorican Movement, which amplified the voices of the Puerto Rican diaspora on an international scale. Venues such as the Nuyorican Poets Café in New York City became vital platforms for these poets to showcase their work, helping to cultivate worldwide appreciation for Puerto Rican poetry.
Notable Puerto Rican poets include María Bibiana Benítez, Luis Palés Matos, Miguel Algarín, Julia de Burgos, and Giannina Braschi, among others. This rich legacy of Puerto Rican poetry is now carried forward by the bilingual poet Luz Maria Lopez.
For this powerful poet, the energy of the universe manifests itself in every tangible thing, weaving a tapestry of peace, love, and wisdom. It permeates the very fabric of existence, taking over consciousness and flooding every pore with a luminous force that summons life into an eternal reverie. The poet perceives the world as a harmonious blend of spirituality, passion, and chaos, where all elements coexist in a delicate balance. Her poetry is a reflection of this profound connection, exuding harmony, sweetness, and an unending quest for deeper understanding. Each flower, every gentle breeze, and the rhythmic beat of a heart synchronize to create a universe that feels perfectly aligned, a sanctuary of beauty and meaning.
An anthology of her poetry, titled A Song For The Wind, stands as a testament to her poetic prowess. This remarkable collection consists of 31 poems, each one a sparkling diamond with layers of meaning that delve into the essence of human existence and the vibrant hues of feminine energy. With brimming confidence, she declares, ‘Me! I am a woman. Seeking the truest denotation of life. (Just Me)’. Her words resonate with a clarity that pierces the soul, as she explores the depths of emotion and the silent cries that often go unheard. She believes, ‘Silence always sparks a cry / streams over emotions / ellipsis of ardors / seeking freedom. (Poesy)’. This belief stems from her deep understanding that silence is not emptiness but a vessel for unspoken truths and unexpressed yearnings.
From the core of her heart, she knows that ‘Without imposing silence / locks, fear, other words / it implies smiling / In spite of crying / the finiteness of the instant / reality is inside you / like heart and the air that you breathe, (love poem)’. Her poetry invites readers to embrace the fleeting moments of life, finding reality within themselves, as intimate as the air they inhale. Among her impressive works, poems like Blue, Azul, Sunflowers, Pathways, and Sinful Mango captivate with their vivid imagery and emotional depth. Her prose, particularly ‘Oceanic’, serves as a mirror for self-introspection, as she hymns, ‘Any given Day you feel like an island’. This soft yet powerful pronouncement speaks directly to the soul, offering solace and recognition to those who feel adrift in the vastness of their emotions.
Her words are a gentle reminder of the interconnectedness of all things, a celebration of the feminine spirit, and a call to embrace the chaos and beauty of existence. Through her poetry, she weaves a narrative that is both personal and universal, inviting readers to explore the depths of their own hearts and the world around them. Each line is a brushstroke in a larger masterpiece, painting a picture of life that is as intricate as it is profound. Her work is not just a collection of poems but a journey—one that lingers in the mind long after the last word is read.
She also narrates some harsh truths to us, weaving them into her poetry with a raw and unfiltered honesty. Lines like ‘Eyes holding the salt of the universe / millenarian gospels / tried to the wind / Eyes searching for a path / heartbeats rhyming on / the darkest nights / Eyes pulsing / the flood of the veins / burning fiercely (Eyes)’ capture the depth of human emotion and the struggle for meaning. These words resonate deeply, revealing the poet’s ability to articulate the unspoken. Readers will find themselves drawn to her other works as well, such as Shattered, Faith, Fractalized, Freedom Souls, Shroud, Dawns, False Mirror, Never, and Your Eyes. Each of these poems carries a splash of spiritualism, reflecting the poet’s inner self and her quest for understanding.
At the same time, her poetry is infused with love and passion, as seen in pieces like ‘Love’, ‘Light’, ‘Thoughts’, and ‘I need to grasp other feelings’. Here, she beautifully captures the essence of human connection, writing, ‘some passion / some exuberance / some floating rhythm / then go back / to the core of everything / Be flower.’ This statement is a testament to her ability to distill complex emotions into simple yet profound words. It’s a reminder of the beauty that exists in the ordinary, and how it can blossom into something extraordinary.
Beyond the eternal themes of love and spirituality, the poet also addresses contemporary issues with a bold and unflinching voice. Her poem ‘Magnolia’ stands out as a powerful commentary on our fragile ecological system. The urgency she expresses is universal, as she writes, ‘Return all dreams / to Mother earth / call back the birds to their sacred dwelling / let the magic emerge from / each flower that blooms in the air / for life can sing in the morning / as the sun arises to kiss / the soil that sprouts sustenance / and mirror itself over the ocean / let all animals dwell on the land / unharmed by arrows / in soul’s harmony.’ These lines are a call to action, urging us to reconnect with nature and protect the delicate balance of our planet.
As a globetrotter, the poet is acutely aware of the struggles faced by marginalized communities. Her poem ‘Bacha Posh’ is a poignant reflection on the plight of girls in Afghanistan who are forced to live as boys under a misogynist regime. This piece hammers at our conscience, forcing us to confront the harsh realities of gender inequality. Similarly, her empathy extends to the fishermen in the Philippines, whose hardships she captures in ‘Fish Cry for the Fishermen in Bluest Sea’. Through these works, she gives voice to the voiceless, shedding light on their suffering and resilience.
Lastly, her poem ‘A song for the wind’ is a masterful expression of life’s philosophy, delivered with subtlety and grace. She writes, ‘Lets unrest the idle story / write again on the tired wall / before time elapses further / for the nightmare of the afternoon / dares to entertain itself / on the pulse of eloquent deceits / casting shadows over the own eyes / only return blinded / calling for true colours / unable to grasp / the sky.’ These words are a meditation on the passage of time and the illusions that cloud our perception. It’s a reminder to seek truth and clarity, even when the world around us seems shrouded in darkness.
Her poetry is a tapestry of emotions, ideas, and experiences, each thread woven with care and intention. Whether she is exploring the depths of the human soul or addressing the pressing issues of our time, her words leave an indelible mark on the reader’s heart and mind.
Undoubtedly, Luz Maria Lopez stands as one of the most significant voices in contemporary world poetry. Her work resonates with a profound sense of harmony, sweetness, and an unending quest for beauty. Each line she crafts feels like a delicate flower swaying in the breeze, every word a heartbeat that synchronizes with the rhythm of the universe. Through her poetry, the world transforms into a perfect place, where every element aligns in a symphony of grace and wonder. Her verses are like a song for the wind, carrying emotions and thoughts that linger in the air, touching souls and inspiring minds. The depth of her expression and the elegance of her language make her a beacon of poetic brilliance, illuminating the path for readers and writers alike. Luz Maria Lopez’s poetry is not just words on a page; it is a living, breathing testament to the power of art to elevate the human spirit and connect us all to the beauty of existence.
A SONG FOR THE WIND: Luz Maria Lopez, Puerto Rico. 2024
(Tripurainfo)
more articles...