Virginia Fernández Collado, the Poet who Cultivated Desert by Poems!

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Spanish poet Virginia Fernández Collado- Sindh Courier
Spanish poet Virginia Fernández Collado

“Desierto” or “Desert” by Spanish poet Virginia Fernández Collado is a poignant and deeply personal poetic diary that eloquently captures the human spirit’s resilience and vulnerability during a time of unprecedented isolation

By Ashraf Aboul-Yazid

“Desierto” or “Desert” by Spanish poet Virginia Fernández Collado is a poignant and deeply personal poetic diary that eloquently captures the human spirit’s resilience and vulnerability during a time of unprecedented isolation. Written over fifteen months, from October 25, 2019, to January 23, 2021, the collection features sixty-two poems that reflect the author’s intimate thoughts and observations amidst the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic and its resultant confinement. This work transcends mere poetry, offering a unique glimpse into the intertwining of personal experience, nature, and the universal challenges of a global crisis.

The collection begins in a world untouched by the pandemic, gradually transitioning into the months marked by isolation and upheaval. Fernández Collado’s decision to retreat to her rural hometown during the early days of confinement adds a striking layer to the narrative, as the natural world becomes both a sanctuary and a source of inspiration. This setting infuses the poems with a palpable sense of tranquility and grounding, even as they explore themes of longing, uncertainty, and renewal.

Fernández Collado employs a first-person narrative to draw readers into her inner world, creating a vivid dialogue between herself, nature, and the absent presence of loved ones. The use of specific dates as titles for each poem reinforces the diary-like structure, lending authenticity and immediacy to the work. This chronological approach allows readers to journey alongside the poet, experiencing her emotions and reflections in real-time. The absence of traditional titles is a deliberate choice, emphasizing the spontaneous and raw nature of the creative process. Each poem feels like a snapshot of a fleeting moment, captured as it occurs, much like the autumn leaves she poetically describes as falling with ease and inevitability.

Book-Spanish poet Virginia Fernández Collado-Sindh CourierWhat sets “Desierto” apart is its remarkable ability to balance personal introspection with universal themes. The intimate tone invites readers to connect with the poet’s experiences while simultaneously reflecting on their own journeys through isolation and change. Fernández Collado’s language is lyrical yet accessible, weaving vivid imagery with profound emotional depth. The poems often explore the juxtaposition of stillness and movement, mirroring the external quiet of confinement and the internal turbulence of the human soul.

Beyond its poetic merit, the work is enriched by Fernández Collado’s extensive background as a poet, educator, and scholar. Her academic expertise and literary prowess shine through in the intricate layering of themes and the careful crafting of each verse. As a poet who has been widely published in international journals and anthologies, Fernández Collado brings a global perspective to her work, which resonates with readers across cultures and experiences. This universality is further highlighted by the inclusion of nature as a recurring motif, symbolizing both the constancy and unpredictability of life.

The physical and emotional landscapes of “Desierto” offer a profound exploration of the intersection between isolation, creativity, and human connection. The rural setting, with its open fields and changing seasons, serves as a powerful metaphor for the passage of time and the cycles of life. Fernández Collado’s reflections on her surroundings reveal a deep appreciation for the natural world, which she portrays not only as a refuge but also as a mirror to her own emotions and struggles.

As a collection born out of one of the most challenging periods in recent history, “Desierto” captures the essence of what it means to endure and adapt. It is a testament to the power of poetry as a means of expression and healing, offering solace and insight to those who read it. For anyone seeking a work that combines lyrical beauty with profound emotional resonance, “Desierto” is a must-read.

In conclusion, Virginia Fernández Collado’s “Desierto” is more than a poetic diary—it is a timeless reflection on humanity’s capacity to find meaning, connection, and hope even in the most desolate of times. Through her evocative language and intimate narrative, Fernández Collado invites readers to embark on a journey of self-discovery and renewal, reminding us all of the enduring power of art to illuminate and transform our lives.

Virginia Fernández Collado’s “Desierto” is a poetic diary that offers readers an intimate journey through a transformative period in recent history. Spanning fifteen months from October 25, 2019, to January 23, 2021, the work captures the profound emotional and psychological shifts brought about by the global COVID-19 pandemic. Written during a time of confinement and social upheaval, the collection consists of sixty-two poems that reflect the poet’s raw and spontaneous observations of life, nature, and self.

The title, “Desierto” (Desert), is symbolic of the solitude and introspection that defined the author’s experiences during this time. It evokes an image of vastness, stillness, and a search for meaning in an environment seemingly devoid of life yet rich with hidden depth. Fernández Collado frames her work as a dialogue—with nature, with her innermost thoughts, and with the absent presence of loved ones—creating a sense of connection amidst isolation. The poet’s decision to retreat to her rural hometown during confinement provides a serene yet evocative backdrop for the narrative. Here, nature becomes both a refuge and a muse, inspiring reflections that resonate universally with readers.

Saturday, November 2, 2019

Serenity,

I contemplate the falling leaves.

The structure of the work reinforces its intimate and diary-like nature. Each poem is marked by the date of its composition, foregoing traditional titles. This approach underscores the spontaneity and immediacy of the poet’s creative process, inviting readers to experience the passage of time as Fernández Collado did—moment by moment, thought by thought. This is not merely a collection of poems; it is a living document of resilience, introspection, and the human capacity to find beauty in adversity.

The poems in “Desierto” are deeply rooted in the interplay between the external world and the internal psyche. Fernández Collado’s connection to nature is palpable throughout the collection, as she uses the rural landscape as both a metaphor and a grounding force. The imagery of falling autumn leaves, blooming flowers, and the rhythmic passage of seasons mirrors the poet’s emotional landscape. These natural elements become symbols of change, growth, and renewal, offering solace and insight during uncertain times.

One of the most striking aspects of the collection is its immediacy. The poems capture fleeting moments of thought and emotion, reflecting Fernández Collado’s practice of writing as inspiration strikes. This raw and unfiltered approach gives the work a sense of authenticity and intimacy, as if the reader is peering directly into the poet’s mind. Lines that describe the quiet beauty of the rural setting stand in stark contrast to those that confront the loneliness and uncertainty of confinement, creating a dynamic interplay of light and shadow.

For example, in poems written during the early days of the pandemic, Fernández Collado reflects on the sudden stillness that enveloped the world. The quiet streets, the absence of human activity, and the heightened presence of nature create a surreal atmosphere that the poet captures with stunning clarity. As the collection progresses, the tone shifts subtly, moving from despair to acceptance and even hope. This progression mirrors the collective journey of many during the pandemic, making the work deeply relatable.

Saturday, October 26, 2019

Everything is a slow

Passing of the hours

Like rows of ants,

Like falling snowflakes.

The decision to use dates as titles is particularly effective in anchoring the poems in their historical and emotional context. This choice not only emphasizes the diary-like structure of the work but also highlights the passage of time—a theme that recurs throughout the collection. Each date represents a snapshot of the poet’s thoughts and feelings on that particular day, creating a mosaic of experiences that together form a cohesive narrative.

Fernández Collado’s language is both lyrical and accessible, making the collection suitable for a wide audience. Her ability to distill complex emotions into simple yet evocative imagery is a testament to her skill as a poet. For instance, her descriptions of the natural world are vivid and precise, drawing the reader into the landscape she so lovingly depicts. At the same time, her exploration of themes such as solitude, resilience, and the search for meaning resonates on a deeply human level.

Saturday, November 2, 2019

In the calm of the night

There are also gales

The universal appeal of “Desierto” lies in its ability to balance the personal and the collective. While the poems are rooted in Fernández Collado’s individual experiences, they also speak to the shared emotions and challenges of living through a global crisis.

Saturday, October 26, 2019

I like the autumn weather,

The slow fall of the leaves.

And tears

That go into winter.

This duality makes the collection both timely and timeless, offering readers a sense of connection and understanding in an uncertain world.

Thursday, November 21, 2019

Because it is necessary

To let the desert speak,

To its infinite vastness.

And its white flowers.

It is essential to remain silent,

Appreciate what silence tells us.

At last the comes,

At last the eyelids close.

As Francisco Vargas Fernández wrote in his introduction; to read this book is to experience almost mystically all the emotions enclosed in a garden as a metaphor for the world and life accompanied by the loved one. A poetry that is read and perceived with the freshness of a snowflake and the warmth of desert sand:

We slept through the night

And when we awoke we did not go into the desert

For it was in our hearts.

Read: Majnun Layla as Seen by a Spanish Poetess

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Ashraf Aboul-Yazid is a renowned Egyptian poet, journalist, novelist, travelogue writer and translator. He is author of around three dozen books and Editor-in-Chief of Silk Road Literature Series.

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