Celebrated Dominican Republic poets
Some of the earliest known poetry writings are The Iliad and Odyssey. Written by the Greek poet Homer, the poems were recorded during the time of the Trojan Wars in roughly the 6th – 9th century and may date back to the early development of the Greek alphabet. The actual origin of poetry is unknown and may predate written language. Scholars theorize that the repetitive lines may have been developed to help pass oral history from one generation to the next. Throughout recorded history, poems have been set to music to commemorate brave deeds, express love, and to enhance celebrations.
William Shakespeare (1590), began storytelling through the use of poetry in his plays. The earliest of which is Henry VI, Part One. Then, as now, poems set to music are used in special events to commemorate seasons and also love stories and others that enrich cultural experiences. Poets hail from all walks of life, and in every country.
As such, Dominican poets have been recognized worldwide and nationally for their many contributions to literature. This article contains just a few of the many Dominican poets who are famous for their writings and lifelong achievements. Some are activists, others are professionals, but each has made his or her own mark on the literary world.
Aída Cartagena Portalatín June 18, 1918 – June 3, 1994. She received a Doctorate in Humanities in the Dominican Republic, but also studied in Paris. Her most famous works are “Una mujer está sola” and “Yania Tierra.” She contributed to periodicals such as La Poesia Sorprendida and published novels and short stories.
Juan Esteban Ariza Mendoza February 24, 1928 – December 31, 2008. He was a Dominican lawyer, poet, and diplomat. His works contributed to both the legal and literary worlds. He was a book author and was also published in newspapers.
Dr. Andrea Evangelina Rodríguez Perozo 1879 – January 11, 1947. Born to a peasant, she rose to become the first woman to graduate from medical school in the Dominican Republic and became an activist who championed the rights of women. In addition to several books, her poetry writings appeared in the magazine Fémina.
Tulio Manuel Cestero Leiva July 10, 1877 – October 27, 1955. Educated at Colegio San Luis Gonzaga, he went on to become influential in politics, as well as a published author and poet. Among his writings is such poetry as “El jardín de los sueños” and “Sangre de primavera.”
Pedro Mir June 3, 1913 – July 11, 2000. Often writing about the plight of the working class, Pedro Mir penned his most famous literary work while in exile in Cuba. His, “Hay un país en el mundo,” helped him earn the Dominican Republic’s National Prize for Literature for lifetime achievement in 1993. In 1982, he earned the designation of National Poet.
