El Poeta

Atahualpa Yupanqui's song "El Poeta" serves as a poignant critique of poets and artists who become detached from the real world. Yupanqui, an influential Argentine folk musician and poet, uses his lyrics to challenge the notion that being a poet makes one inherently special or different. The song opens with the assertion that poets often believe they are unique because they are labeled as such, living in a world that seems to exist beyond the stars. This metaphor suggests a sense of isolation and detachment from the everyday struggles of ordinary people.

The song continues to criticize this detachment by comparing the poet to a blind person who, after gazing at the moon for too long, can no longer see anything else. This imagery underscores the idea that focusing solely on lofty, abstract concepts can lead to a loss of connection with the tangible world. Yupanqui urges poets to shift their gaze from the moon to the miners and the men working in the fields, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging and singing about the struggles of those who fight for basic necessities like bread.

Yupanqui's call to action is clear: poets should immerse themselves in the lives of the people they write about. He suggests that living among the common folk, such as the laborers in the jungle, will teach poets valuable lessons about hardship and resilience. The song concludes with a powerful reminder that the essence of poetry should be rooted in humanity. By living alongside the people and understanding their struggles, poets can create more meaningful and impactful art. Yupanqui's message is a timeless reminder of the importance of empathy and social awareness in artistic expression.