Dulcis Patrias fecundas.: Complete Poetry, #3

By Enrique García Guasco

In "Dulcis Patrias Fecundas," Enrique García Guasco takes readers on a poetic journey that traverses the landscapes of beauty and conflict, exploring the depths of human experience and the resilience of the human spirit. From the bustling streets of Buenos Aires to the war-torn landscapes of Ukraine, Guasco's poetry captures the essence of these diverse worlds with vivid imagery and profound emotion.

In the opening verses, Guasco paints a vibrant portrait of Buenos Aires, describing it as one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Through his lyrical prose, he invites readers to wander through its cobblestone streets, to breathe in the scent of blooming jacaranda trees, and to feel the pulse of tango music echoing through its neighborhoods. With each word, Guasco celebrates the rich tapestry of culture and history that defines this beloved city.

However, as the collection unfolds, Guasco's poetry takes a somber turn as he grapples with the complexities of the Ukrainian conflict. Through haunting verses, he captures the devastation and sorrow inflicted upon the land and its people. He bears witness to the resilience of those who endure the hardships of war, their spirits unbroken amidst the chaos and destruction.

Amidst the darkness, Guasco finds a glimmer of hope in the neighboring land of Poland. In his poems, he portrays Poland as a soft land of hope, a sanctuary for those seeking refuge from the turmoil of conflict. Through his words, he explores the bonds of solidarity that unite people across borders, offering a vision of peace and reconciliation in the face of adversity.

"Dulcis Patrias Fecundas" is a testament to the power of poetry to illuminate the human experience, to inspire empathy and understanding, and to remind us of the enduring strength of the human spirit. Through Guasco's evocative verses, readers are invited to explore the beauty and complexity of our world, and to reflect on the universal truths that connect us all.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Arcana Intellego
• Release date: Mar 4, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224401680

Book preview

Enrique García Guasco.

Arcana Intellego

Dulcis Patrias fecundas:

Poemata de bello et spe victoriae.

Poetic Anthology.

Volume Three.

©2024. Edited in the U.S. by Orilsted Publishing Services. Copyright ©2024 Enrique García Guasco.

Copyright ©2024 Arcana Intellego/Axioma Editorial S.A. Chile. Hendaya 60, Las Condes, 1353. Región Metropolitana, Chile.

How do we come to understand the concept of Our Homeland? For many, it may be in school during early childhood; perhaps at home with family. I'm not so sure about it myself. At times, one may find their own place in various locations simultaneously or depending on the time period. This ambiguity arises from a multitude of factors, including cultural heritage, personal experiences, and shifting societal dynamics. Our sense of belonging is not always confined to a single geographical location or static identity. Instead, it evolves over time, influenced by our interactions with different environments, people, and ideologies. As we navigate through life, we may discover that our homeland is not merely defined by physical borders, but rather by the connections we forge and the communities we embrace. In this prologue, we delve into the complexities of identity and belonging, exploring how individuals navigate the fluidity of their sense of home in an ever-changing world.

Considering that Our Homeland can be viewed as a fertile ground of love and a nurturing environment to watch our children grow. However, it's also important to acknowledge that Our Homeland is a place worthy of fighting for and defending with care and affection. Sometimes, Our Homeland or homelands become spaces where we can easily lose ourselves, serving as reminders of who we are. In this context, the notion of patriotism extends beyond mere geographical boundaries; it encompasses a deep-rooted connection to the values, traditions, and aspirations that define us as individuals and communities. Our Homeland is not just a physical location; it is a reflection of our collective identity, a source of inspiration, and a reservoir of memories. As we explore the multifaceted nature of patriotism, we come to understand that it is both a personal journey of self-discovery and a shared commitment to safeguarding the principles that unite us. Through this lens, Our Homeland emerges not only as a place of origin but also as a beacon of hope, resilience, and unity in an ever-changing world.

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Enrique García Guasco.

México City, October 2023.

Los ojos que acarician al mirar.

The eyes that caress upon gazing.

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(Español - English)

A historical introduction.

The history of Buenos Aires, Argentina, is rich and complex, dating back long before the arrival of Europeans in America. Before Spanish colonization in the 16th century, the region now occupied by Buenos Aires was inhabited by different indigenous groups, primarily the Querandíes and the Guaraníes.

The Querandíes were an indigenous tribe that inhabited the Buenos Aires region before the arrival of European colonizers. They were part of the Pampas peoples, known for being nomadic hunters and gatherers who roamed the vast Pampas plains in search of food and resources.

Querandí society was organized into extended family groups, with leadership based on experience and respect. They did not have a centralized political structure or writing systems, so their culture and traditions were passed down orally from generation to generation.

They were skilled in using stone tools for hunting and gathering, as well as in making simple ceramic objects and textiles. Their diet relied on hunting guanacos, ñandúes, and other animals, as well as gathering wild fruits and roots.

The Querandíes had a religious worldview linked to nature and the cosmos. They believed in spirits and deities associated with natural elements, to whom they performed rituals and offerings to ensure the prosperity and well-being of their community.

Despite their way of life adapted to the harsh conditions of the plains, the Querandíes were affected by the arrival of Europeans, who introduced diseases, conflicts, and changes to their environment. Over time, their population decreased, and their culture was absorbed by external influences, marking the beginning of a period of profound transformation for the Buenos Aires region.

In contrast to the Querandíes, the Guaraníes were an ethnic group that mainly inhabited regions further north of what we now know as Buenos Aires, in areas including Paraguay, northeastern Argentina, southern Brazil, and parts of Bolivia. However, their cultural influence extended southward, including areas near Buenos Aires.

They were known for being a more sedentary society compared to the Pampas peoples, with more permanent settlements and a more developed agriculture. They mainly cultivated corn, cassava, and other agricultural products, which allowed them to establish more stable and populated communities.

The Guaraníes had a social organization based on clans or tribes led by chiefs, and they practiced an animistic religion that venerated the spirits of nature and ancestors. Their beliefs were strongly influenced by mythology, with stories of gods and heroes that were part of their worldview.

They were skilled craftsmen, known for their elaborate pottery, basketry, and cotton weaving. They also had a rich oral tradition, transmitting knowledge, myths, and legends through stories passed down from generation to generation.

The Guaraníes maintained commercial and cultural interactions with other indigenous peoples in the region, as well as with European colonizers. However, like the Querandíes, they were affected by the arrival of Europeans, which brought conflicts, diseases, and changes to their traditional way of life.

Despite these challenges, Guaraní culture has endured to this day, influencing the identity and cultural diversity of the Buenos Aires region and beyond. Their legacy is present in the music, art, cuisine, and traditions of communities that still retain their Guaraní roots.

The first documented sighting of Buenos Aires dates back to the year 1516 when an expedition led by Juan Díaz de Solís, a Spanish navigator and explorer, reached the shores of what is now known as Argentina. The expedition was sponsored by the King of Spain, with the aim of finding a route to the riches of Asia through the American continent.

Juan Díaz de Solís, an experienced navigator of Spanish origin, was known for his bravery and determination in exploring new lands. He had participated in previous expeditions in the Caribbean and had gained extensive experience in navigating unknown waters.

Accompanying Díaz de Solís on this journey were several crew members, each with their own set of skills and experiences. Among them were:

Vicente Yáñez Pinzón: Spanish captain and navigator, famous for participating in Christopher Columbus's first voyage to America in 1492. Pinzón brought his vast experience in ocean navigation and knowledge of currents and marine winds.

Hernán Pérez de Cabrera: Spanish mariner and explorer, who had participated in several exploration expeditions in the Atlantic and the Caribbean. Pérez de Cabrera was known for his skill in cartography and coastal navigation.

Diego García: Pilot and experienced navigator, who had previously sailed along the coasts of Africa and the Caribbean. García brought his experience in navigating unknown waters and his ability to chart safe routes.

Pedro de Ledesma: Spanish sailor and explorer, who had participated in several exploration expeditions in the Atlantic and the Caribbean. Ledesma was known for his skill in coastal navigation and his expertise in handling vessels.

Together, Juan Díaz de Solís and his crew set sail in search of new lands and trade routes in the American continent. Their arrival on the shores of Buenos Aires marked the beginning of European exploration in the region and the onset of Spanish colonization in South America. Although the expedition did not find the expected riches, their discovery of Buenos Aires paved the way for future explorations and settlements in the region.

During the period between 1516 and 1538, Buenos Aires underwent a process of consolidation as a strategic point in Spanish exploration and colonization in South America. This process was marked by a series of events and developments that contributed to the establishment and growth of the city.

Initial exploration: The first documented sighting of Buenos Aires dates back to 1516 when an expedition led by Juan Díaz de Solís reached the shores of the region. Although this expedition did not lead to immediate settlement, it laid the groundwork for future explorations and established Spanish presence in the area.

Foundation of Buenos Aires: In 1536, Pedro de Mendoza led an expedition that founded the first permanent settlement in the region, which they named Nuestra Señora Santa María del Buen Ayre. However, this initial settlement faced numerous challenges, including conflicts with local indigenous peoples and adverse weather conditions.

Reconstruction of Buenos Aires: After the destruction of the first settlement by indigenous peoples in 1541, the reconstruction of Buenos Aires was carried out in 1580 by Juan de Garay, under the name Ciudad de la Trinidad and Puerto de Santa María del Buen Aire. This new foundation was a crucial step in the consolidation of Buenos Aires as an urban center and strategic point in the region.

Urban and commercial growth: Throughout the 16th century, Buenos Aires experienced gradual growth as a result of its strategic location in trade between the Atlantic and the interior of South America. Trade routes connecting the city with other urban centers and regions producing natural resources were established.

Cultural and social influence: During this period, Buenos Aires began to receive immigrants from various parts of Europe, as well as African slaves, who contributed to the cultural and social diversity of the city. Religious and administrative institutions were established, and public and residential buildings were constructed, reflecting the growth and prosperity of the city.

In summary, the process of consolidation of Buenos Aires between 1516 and 1538 was marked by the foundation of permanent settlements, urban and commercial growth, and the influence of diverse ethnic and cultural groups in shaping the city. These developments laid the foundation for the future development and expansion of Buenos Aires as one of the main cities in South America.

One of the key factors in the demographic growth of Buenos Aires was its strategic position as a commercial port in the South Atlantic. The city became an important hub connecting Europe, America, and the interior of the continent, attracting traders, sailors, and settlers in search of economic opportunities.

Trade in goods and agricultural products, as well as the trafficking of African slaves, contributed to the economic growth of Buenos Aires and the increase in its population. Plantations and estates were established near the city, generating a demand for labor and attracting European and African immigrants in search of work.

Furthermore, Buenos Aires became an important cultural and social center during this period. Churches, convents, schools, and hospitals were built, and governmental institutions were established to administer the city and the surrounding region.

The society of Buenos Aires was characterized by its ethnic and cultural diversity. Although the majority of the population was of European descent, there was also a significant African community, mainly composed of slaves and their descendants, who contributed to the cultural and social development of the city.

In summary, between 1580 and 1690, Buenos Aires experienced significant demographic and urban growth due to its strategic position as a commercial port and center of cultural exchange in South America. This period was crucial in the consolidation of Buenos Aires as a prosperous and cosmopolitan city that would lay the groundwork for its future development and expansion.

During the 17th and 18th centuries, Buenos Aires experienced slow but steady growth, mainly due to its strategic position as a port in the South Atlantic and its role in trade with the interior of the country. The city became an important commercial and cultural center, attracting immigrants from different parts of Europe and elsewhere.

In the 19th century, Buenos Aires was the scene of important historical events, such as the May Revolution of 1810, which marked the beginning of Argentina's independence process from Spain. During this century, the city became the capital of the new country and experienced rapid economic and demographic growth, driven mainly by massive immigration, especially from Italy and Spain.

The May Revolution, which occurred in 1810 in Buenos Aires, Argentina, marked a crucial milestone in the country's history and in the struggle for independence in Latin America. It was a complex process influenced by a series of political, economic, and social factors, and it involved the active participation of various sectors of society, including traders and Criollos.

In the context of the Napoleonic invasion of Spain and the subsequent capture of King Ferdinand VII, a crisis of legitimacy arose in the Spanish colonies of America. In Buenos Aires, this translated into growing distrust towards the viceregal authorities and a demand for greater autonomy and participation in governance.

Traders in Buenos Aires played a fundamental role in this process. As part of the city's economic elite, they had an interest in liberalizing trade and eliminating the restrictions imposed by the Spanish commercial monopoly. Additionally, many traders maintained close commercial ties with Europe and were influenced by the enlightened ideas of the time, which advocated for equal rights and citizen participation in governance.

Criollos, on the other hand, were descendants of Spaniards born in America and constituted an important part of Buenos Aires' population. Although they occupied a social position between peninsular Spaniards and mestizos and indigenous people, Criollos had a deep sense of identity and belonging to the American land. Many Criollos were discontent with the political and economic dominance of peninsular Spaniards and aspired to a greater degree of autonomy and participation in governance.

The May Revolution erupted on May 25, 1810, when a group of Criollos and traders, led by figures like Cornelio Saavedra, Manuel Belgrano, and Juan José Castelli, rebelled against the viceregal authorities and established a provisional government junta known as the First Junta. This junta marked the beginning of a political emancipation process that would eventually lead to the independence of Argentina and other Latin American countries.

In the years following, the May Revolution and its ideals of freedom, equality, and social justice continued to inspire Argentinians in their struggle for independence. Traders and Criollos continued to play an important role in this process, providing economic resources, political leadership, and popular support for the independence cause.

The May Revolution in Buenos Aires, Argentina, was marked by a series of battles and armed conflicts that played a crucial role in the political emancipation process from Spanish rule. However, it was also a period in which political negotiation played a significant role in seeking peaceful and consensual solutions.

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One of the most important battles of the May Revolution was the Battle of Montevideo, which took place in 1811. This battle pitted the patriot forces of Buenos Aires, led by José Artigas, against the Spanish royalist forces controlling the city of Montevideo. The patriot victory in this battle was crucial in consolidating Buenos Aires' control over the Rio de la Plata region and weakening Spanish power in the area.

Another notable battle was the Battle of Salta, fought in 1813, where Argentine patriot forces, led by Manuel Belgrano, defeated Spanish royalist forces in the Salta region, in northern Argentina. This victory was a significant blow to the Spanish forces and contributed to the consolidation of the independence process in the country.

In addition to military battles, the May Revolution was also a period in which political negotiation played a crucial role in seeking solutions to conflicts and differences among different groups and factions. The formation of the First Junta in 1810, as a result of negotiations among traders, Criollos, and other patriot factions, marked the beginning of a political negotiation process that eventually led to Argentina's independence.

In the years that followed, a series of political negotiations and agreements were reached among different groups and factions, including the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1816 and the organization of the Assembly of the Year XIII in 1813, which adopted important political and social measures for the country.

In summary, the May Revolution in Buenos Aires was marked by a series of battles and armed conflicts that were crucial for Argentina's political emancipation process. However, it was also a period in which political negotiation played an important role in seeking peaceful and consensual solutions to problems and differences among the different groups and factions of Porteño society.

The consolidation of Argentine independence and the election of Buenos Aires as the capital of the Argentine Republic were fundamental processes in the country's history, marked by a series of political, social, and economic events that transformed the newborn nation.

After Argentina declared independence in 1816, the country faced several challenges to consolidate its sovereignty and establish a stable government. During the following decades, a series of internal and external conflicts occurred, including civil wars, confrontations with foreign powers, and territorial disputes with neighboring countries.

Amidst these challenges, Buenos Aires emerged as the main political, economic, and cultural center of the country. Its strategic location as a commercial port on the Rio de la Plata and its growing influence in the region made it the epicenter of Argentine political life.

In 1862, Buenos Aires was officially designated as the capital of the Argentine Republic. This decision reflected its importance as the administrative and political center of the country, as well as its role as a symbol of national unity. However, the choice of Buenos Aires as the capital also generated tensions with other provinces, especially those seeking greater autonomy and political power.

Throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries, Buenos Aires experienced rapid growth and development, becoming a cosmopolitan and modern city. Its imposing architecture, wide avenues, and vibrant cultural life made it an attraction for immigrants and visitors from around the world.

The consolidation of Buenos Aires as the capital of the Argentine Republic was a significant milestone in the country's history, reflecting its growth and development as an independent nation. However, it also posed political challenges and tensions that needed to be addressed through dialogue and negotiation among the different regions and provinces of the country.

In summary, the choice of Buenos Aires as the capital of the Argentine Republic marked the culmination of its rise as the political and cultural center of the country. Its consolidation as the capital reflected its importance as a symbol of national unity and its role as a driver of Argentina's development and modernization.

During the period from 1870 to 1920, Argentina experienced remarkable economic development that transformed the nation into a regional and global power. In this context, Buenos Aires, the capital of the country, played a fundamental role as the epicenter of growth and modernization.

Argentina's economic growth during this period was driven by several key factors. Firstly, the expansion of agriculture, especially in the fertile pampas regions, allowed for increased cereal and livestock production. The introduction of new technologies and agricultural practices, such as machinery and intensive cultivation methods, boosted productivity and profitability in the agricultural sector.

Buenos Aires greatly benefited from this agricultural growth as the country's main export port. The city became a hub of trade and transportation, channeling agricultural products to international markets and receiving manufactured goods and raw materials from Europe and other countries. Buenos Aires' docks were filled with ships carrying Argentine products worldwide, consolidating its position as one of the most prosperous cities in Latin America.

In addition to the agricultural sector, Buenos Aires also experienced rapid industrial and commercial growth during this