Cien de cien

The work of Ernesto Cardenal (Granada, 1925–Nicaragua, 2020), of paramount importance and undeniable quality, occupies the historical and aesthetic crossroads of a highly significant part of contemporary poetry. Since mimeographed copies of some of his epigrams began circulating in the 1950s, his ability to connect with readers has been extraordinary: thus, works such as Psalms, Prayer for Marilyn Monroe and Other Poems, the "Indian Poems," Oracle on Managua, Cosmic Canticle, and Telescope in the Dark Night have expanded the possibilities of poetic expression in the Hispanic world. His work possessed a particular desire for communication, simplicity, and clarity, which makes it especially appealing to young people. Through his objectivism, incorporating elements of real life—concrete things, both historical data and precise details of figures, facts, and anecdotes—he reached the highest lyrical heights in his relationship with others, with himself and his faith, as well as with the all-encompassing universe in a mystical encounter: "Absolutely everything fits in my poetry," he affirmed. He also paved the way for new poetics, which would give rise to figures of the stature of Claribel Alegría, Gioconda Belli, Nicanor Parra, Ana Cristina Rossi, and Daisy Zamora.