Daisy Zamora (June 20, 1950) is one of the most prominent figures in contemporary Latin American poetry.
Her work is known for its uncompromising voice and wide-ranging subject matter that dwells on the details of daily life while encompassing human rights, politics, revolution, feminist issues, art, history and culture. She was raised in a wealthy liberal and politically active family. She attended convent schools and studied at the Universidad Centroamericana in Nicaragua where she earned a degree in psychology.
CELEBRATION OF THE BODY
Daisy Zamora
I love this body of mine that has lived a life,
its amphora contour soft as water,
my hair gushing out of my skull,
my face a glass goblet on its delicate stem
rising with grace from shoulders and collarbone.
I love my back studded with ancient stars,
the bright mounds of my breasts,
fountains of milk, our species’ first food,
my protruding ribcage, my yielding waist,
my belly’s fullness and warmth.
I love the lunar curve of my hips
shaped by various pregnancies,
the great curling wave of my buttocks,
my legs and feet, on which the temple stands.
I love my bunch of dark petals and secret fur
keeper of heaven’s mysterious gate,
to the damp hollow from which blood flows
and the water of life.
This body of mine that can hurt and get ill,
that oozes, coughs, sweats,
secreats humours, faeces, saliva,
grows tired, old and worn out.
Living body, one solid link to secure
the unending chain of bodies.
I love this body made of pure earth,
seed, root, sap, flower and fruit.
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VISION OF YOUR BODY
Daisy Zamora
In the dimly lit room
I had a brief glimpse of bliss:
sight of your body
like a god reclining.
That was all.
Quite unaware
you got up to get your clothes
just naturally
while I shuddered
like the earth split open by lightning.