Poetry
Orquídeas
Not translated into English
María Olimpia de Obaldía · 1926
Synopsis
The first collection by its author, devoted to the home, nature and family love. It contains a “Hymn to Motherhood” in several parts, from conception to childbirth, nursing and the mother's prayer, and pieces such as “Post umbra” or “Trasmigración”. These verses speak of the female experience of motherhood, the upbringing of the child, and conjugal, filial and fraternal love.
Context
The collection appeared in 1926 at the Imprenta Nacional in Panama, eight years after its author had left teaching to marry. It was followed by Breviario lírico, dated 1929 or 1930 depending on the sources, then by Parnaso infantil in 1948. The Encyclopedia of Latin American History sees in these first books the opening of a new space for the female voice in Panamanian poetry. Her best-known poem, “Ñatore May”, on the suffering of Ngäbe women, shows another vein from the domestic poetry of Orquídeas.
Who it is for
A collection in Spanish, with no published French translation; several pieces are reproduced in online anthologies.
Prizes and reception
Three years after its publication, the National Institute held a tribute to her at the National Theatre, where she was crowned with laurel and received the title of María Olimpia de Panamá.
Sources for this page 4
The pages consulted to check this page.