Salute to the poet (Saludo al poeta)

Jorge Franco Vélez (1922 - 1996) was a medical doctor, historian, novel writer and poet from the beautiful city of Medellín, in Antioquia, Colombia.  My father admired and respected him deeply.  I have a vivid image of the cover of his book ‘Hildebrando’ from the childhood memories I built exploring my Dad’s library.  Reading this poem I can just picture how happy Dad would have been to have such an honourable man’s visit, all excited, like a kid having a friend for a sleep over, sharing his toys (books) and showing off his wife and children.  I was only three months old.

From Dad’s book Urgent poetry (Poesía de urgencia). 

Salute to the poet (Saludo al poeta)

To Jorge Franco Vélez

I welcome you Jorge with open arms

my soul and my heart filled with joy.

Fulfilled in the company of these true friends

I praise in you the friendship that is a beautiful anachronism.

You and the word.  Drizzle of light in the abyss.

From the hollow you came on your way to the first light of dawn.

I recite to your splendid life, your pastoral calling

and the sincerity of revealing yourself.

The house is privileged with your noble presence.

Its patios and walls and even the transparency

of the fountain and the roses are at your service.

My wife and I resign the title of owners

so you install in it your poetry, your dreams,

and exercise as well your fraternal duty.

Cúcuta, October 16/76