When you start reading ‘The White Perfume of the Days’, the most recent book of poems published by Jorge Martínez, it is inevitable to remember his two previous poetic installments, ‘General Invierno’ and ‘So Much to Destroy’. It is not only because the three books are published in the Olifante collection of poetry, but because the three seem to configure a triptych that has a coherent common thread.
The book, however, opens with a full contemplation where “no one is going to die today” that did not appear in other poetry collections. It is also at that moment where the white color that floods the book is introduced (even on its cover). and whose brushstrokes at strategic moments give a link to the poems. Another theme that Jorge Martínez introduces in this book is that of love.not so common in the past, in poems where it is not necessary for the feeling to be made explicit, along with others where it becomes the backbone and musical column of the verses, giving rise to rhyme.
No abrupt transition
But these newest themes converge with others already shown by the author in previous installments, so that the clarity with which it begins gives way to other duller tones but without a sudden transition, just as the light of a day declines without drama.. Thus, from that initial intoxicating plenitude we move on to a more serene one, in which we are invited to “accept, just accept.” From that perspective, Jorge Martínez speaks to a you that is himself, and by extension anyone who wants to accompany him in that place of which he remembers that “the lower, / the closer the world.”
The poet also appeals to a you in the longest poem of the book, just before reaching the beautiful end, and which reflects the preparations for a trip that, Although it is not known whether it will have a bright ending, it is undoubtedly worth undertaking. Jorge Martínez does it throughout this entire book, and his desire to name things moves his steps.which in poetry becomes capturing images that recreate them, even when it comes to writing silence.
‘THE WHITE PERFUME OF THE DAYS’
Jorge Martinez
Olifante Poetry Editions
61 pages
