Cuando Nombro La Poesía

Ali Primera's song 'Cuando Nombro La Poesía' is a profound exploration of the human condition, using poetry as a lens to reflect on various aspects of life, struggle, and solidarity. The song begins by equating the act of naming poetry with naming humanity itself. Primera mentions everyday objects and experiences, such as old shoes and a student's first cigarette, to ground his reflections in the tangible and relatable. This approach underscores the idea that poetry, and by extension humanity, is found in the ordinary and the mundane.

The song also delves into themes of loss and resistance. Primera references historical and literary figures like Walt Whitman, Pablo Neruda, and Federico García Lorca, who have all used their words to fight against oppression and injustice. By invoking these poets, Primera aligns himself with a tradition of using art as a form of resistance. He also mentions the 'verse written on the wall of a prison,' symbolizing the enduring power of poetry even in the face of confinement and repression.

In the latter part of the song, Primera shifts to a more hopeful tone, naming the 'flourished skin of my land' and 'the peace sustained by the plow.' These images evoke a sense of renewal and the potential for a better future. The song concludes with a vision of a community united in song and hope, symbolized by the 'triumphant flight of butterflies' and a 'people singing in G major.' Through these vivid metaphors, Primera emphasizes the resilience and enduring spirit of humanity, even in the face of adversity.