Newly Discovered Verse by Federico García Lorca Unveils Poet's Timeless Themes

A previously unknown verse attributed to the renowned Spanish poet and playwright Federico García Lorca has been uncovered, 93 years after it was believed to have been written. The eight-line poem, composed in 1933, was found on the back of a manuscript of Lorca's poem "Gacela de la raíz amarga." This manuscript was purchased by flamenco singer Miguel Poveda from a German antiquarian. The discovery has been verified by Lorca expert Pepa Merlo and will be included in an upcoming publication.

The Guardian

The newly discovered verse reflects Lorca's enduring preoccupation with the passage of time, a theme prevalent in his body of work. The lines read: “The clock sings / I count the hours mechanically / Seven o’clock; twelve o’clock / It’s all the same / I am not here / It is the mark of flesh / That I left behind when I departed / So as to know my place / Upon my return.” Poveda expressed his emotional connection to the find, describing it as a "heartfelt gift" that encapsulates Lorca's essence.

The Guardian

Federico García Lorca, known for works such as "Gypsy Ballads," "Poet in New York," and "Blood Wedding," was a progressive figure in Spanish literature. He was executed by a right-wing death squad in August 1936, making him one of the most notable victims of the Spanish Civil War. His body has never been recovered, and it is believed to lie in a shallow grave near Granada. As the centenary of his death approaches, interest in Lorca's life and works continues to grow.

The Guardian

The newly discovered poem will be featured in a book titled "Las cosas del otro lado: lo inédito en Federico García Lorca" (Things from the Other Side: the Unpublished in Federico García Lorca), co-authored by Poveda and Merlo. This publication aims to bring Lorca's previously hidden works to a broader audience, including the recently issued facsimile edition of his posthumously published "Sonnets of Dark Love," which had been kept from public view by his family due to concerns over its content.

The Guardian

While the discovery has been celebrated, some critics argue that the focus on Lorca's personal life and sexual identity may overshadow his literary contributions. They caution against reducing his legacy to merely his sexuality, advocating for a more nuanced appreciation of his artistic achievements.

The Guardian

• “For me, it’s a heartfelt gift. It’s all there in those lines, ‘It is the mark of flesh / That I left behind, when I departed / So as to know my place / Upon my return’.” — Miguel Poveda, Flamenco Singer

The Guardian

• “the importance that the concept of time held for Lorca” — Pepa Merlo, Lorca Expert

The Guardian

This recent discovery not only enriches the understanding of Lorca's literary legacy but also highlights the ongoing relevance of his themes in contemporary discourse.

The Guardian