Posts - Ecuadorian Literature

In The Cemetery by Juan Eusebio Molestina

Translated to English by Richard Gabela on April 15, 2024, from the original work “En el cementerio” by Juan Eusebio Molestina (1850-Unknown) of Guayaquil, Ecuador. I have translated the title of the poem as “In The Cemetery.”

Ode to Death by Enrique Segovia

Translated to English by Richard Gabela on April 15, 2024, from the original work “Canto a la muerte” by Enrique Segovia (1901-1967) of Guayaquil, Ecuador. I have translated the title of the poem as “Ode to Death.”

Elegy of Ronda Street by Jorge Reyes

Translated to English by Richard Gabela on April 14, 2024, from the original work ‘Elegía de la Calle de la Ronda’ by Jorge Reyes (1905-1977) of Quito, Ecuador. I have translated the title of the poem as ‘Elegy of Ronda Street.

The River’s Voice by Wenceslao Pareja

Translated to English by Richard Gabela on April 14, 2024, from the original work “La voz del río” by Wenceslao Pareja (1880-1947) of Guayaquil, Ecuador. I have translated the title of the poem as “The River’s Voice.”

The Soul of the Mountains by Miguel E. Neira

Translated to English by Richard Gabela on April 14, 2024, from the original work “El Alma de las Montañas” (1907) by Miguel E. Neira of Guayaquil, Ecuador. I have translated the title of the poem as “The Soul of the Mountains.”

Chant of Peace by Gastón Hidalgo Ortega

Translated to English by Richard Gabela on April 10, 2024, from the original work “Cantoral de Paz” by Gastón Hidalgo Ortega (1929-1973) of Guayaquil, Ecuador. I have translated the title of the poem as “Chant of Peace.”

Testimonies by Eugenio Moreno Heredia

Translated to English by Richard Gabela on April 10, 2024, from the original work “Testimonios” by Eugenio Moreno Heredia (1926—1997) of Cuenca, Ecuador. I have translated the title of the poem as “Testimonies.”

Sick Motherland by Fanny Caicedo

Translated to English by Richard Gabela on April 10, 2024, from the original work “Patria Enferma” by Fanny Caicedo (1932–2001) of Yaguachi, Ecuador. I have translated the title of the poem as “Sick Motherland.”

The Moon and the Boy by Diógenes Cuero Caicedo

Translated to English by Richard Gabela on April 10, 2024, from the original work “La Luna y el Niño” by Diógenes Cuero Caicedo (1948–2019) of Esmeraldas, Ecuador. I have translated the title of the poem as “The Moon and the Boy.”

Kiss Me by Mary Corylé

Translated to English by Richard Gabela on April 9, 2024, from the original work “Bésame” (1925) by Mary Corylé (1894-1976) of Cuenca, Ecuador. I have translated the title of the poem as “Kiss Me.”

Dead Minute by Gerardo Chiriboga

Translated to English by Richard Gabela on April 5, 2024, from the original work “Minuto muerto” by Gerardo Chiriboga (1895-1966) of Riobamba, Ecuador. I have translated the title of the poem as “Dead Minute.”

Spiritual Colloquy by Jorge Ismael Gandú

Translated to English by Richard Gabela on April 5, 2024, from the original work “Coloquio Espiritual” by Jorge Ismael Gandú (1904-Unknown) of Guayaquil, Ecuador. I have translated the title of the poem as “Spiritual Colloquy.”

Jorge Ismael Gandú

Jorge Ismael Gandú, pseudonym of José Miguel Granda Granda (Celica, Loja Province of Ecuador, 1904 – Medellin, Colombia, Unknown) was an Ecuadorian poet and songwriter, renowned primarily for his significant contributions to the pasillo genre, a type of Latin American music. While his literary endeavors culminated in the publication of the poetry collection “Hontanar” in 1937, a work dedicated to his mother, wife, and homeland, it was his role as a lyricist for numerous pasillo songs that truly cemented his fame. Gandú’s ability to weave emotional depth into his lyrics resonated with composers and audiences alike, leading to collaborations with notable musicians such as Nicasio Safadi, who set Gandú’s poem “De corazón a corazón” to music.

Gerardo Chiriboga

Gerardo Chiriboga (Riobamba, 1895 – Quito, 1966) was an Ecuadorian genealogist, journalist, and poet, known for his diverse contributions to the literary and historical fields. Among his literary works, “Minuto muerto, poemas” (1934) stands out as a compelling collection of poems. Additionally, he authored “Galápagos: El hombre, la tierra y el paisaje” (1948), a comprehensive exploration of the Galápagos Islands. This work is part of a significant body of literature that emerged post-World War II about the archipelago, following the departure of the American base. His literary efforts, including his recognized contributions to poetry in the anthology “Antología de poetas Riobambeños” (Anthology of Poets from Riobamba) (1963), further cement his place in Ecuador’s literary history.

Dance of the Leaves by Gerardo Chiriboga

Translated into English by Richard Gabela on April 5, 2024, from the original work “Danza de las Hojas” by Gerardo Chiriboga (1895-1966) of Riobamba, Ecuador. I have translated the title of the poem as “Dance of the Leaves.”