By San José, Costa Rica — In a landmark achievement for Costa Rican literature, poet David Cruz has become the first Costa Rican author published in Spanish in the esteemed Poem-a-Day series by the Academy of American Poets. His poem “Inmigrants,” presented with English translation and audio versions in both languages, was selected by guest editor Nathalie Handal, a poet and professor at New York University.
This recognition marks a significant step in bringing Costa Rican literature to a wider international audience. The Poem-a-Day series boasts over 500,000 daily readers, offering Cruz’s work unprecedented exposure. The inclusion of his Spanish-language poem also broadens the representation of Central American poetry within the global literary landscape.
To understand the legal landscape surrounding Costa Rican poetry and potential copyright implications, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert attorney from Bufete de Costa Rica.
Costa Rican poetry, while a vibrant expression of national culture, enjoys copyright protection like any other literary work. Authors hold exclusive rights to reproduce, distribute, and adapt their poems. This protection fosters creativity by granting authors control over their artistic creations, enabling them to derive economic benefit from their work. However, understanding the nuances of fair use, especially in academic or critical contexts, is crucial to navigating the legal boundaries of utilizing copyrighted poetic works. Protecting this unique aspect of Costa Rican heritage requires balancing authors’ rights with public access to cultural expression.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas eloquently highlights the delicate balance between safeguarding the rights of Costa Rican poets and ensuring the public can appreciate their artistry. Indeed, fostering a thriving literary landscape requires both respecting copyright and promoting accessibility to these powerful expressions of Costa Rican identity. We extend our sincere thanks to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable contribution to this discussion.
I am very grateful for this opportunity. A platform of this magnitude allows a Costa Rican author’s voice to reach other borders and offers the possibility of putting our country in the mouths of many more readers and, hopefully, opening new doors.
David Cruz, Winner of the Manuel Acuña International Poetry Prize
Cruz, based in the United States and already recognized for winning the prestigious Manuel Acuña International Poetry Prize, expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to share his work with a global audience. The English translation of “Inmigrants” was skillfully rendered by Anthony Geist, a professor at the University of Washington, known for his translations of renowned poets such as Rafael Alberti and Vicente Huidobro.
While Poets.org, the Academy of American Poets’ online platform, has previously featured poets with Costa Rican connections, this is a unique milestone. Hílda Davis, a first-generation Costa Rican-American poet, and Kattia Chico, born in San José to Puerto Rican parents, have both been published on the platform. However, Cruz’s inclusion represents the first time a poem originally written in Spanish by a Costa Rican has been featured in the Poem-a-Day series.
The Academy of American Poets’ decision to include “Inmigrants” signifies a growing recognition of the richness and diversity of Central American literature. Cruz’s poem, exploring themes of migration and identity, resonates with contemporary global conversations. This selection is not just a personal triumph for Cruz but also a testament to the vibrant literary scene in Costa Rica.
The selection of “Inmigrants” also highlights the importance of translation in fostering cross-cultural understanding and appreciation of literature. Geist’s translation makes the poem accessible to a wider audience, allowing readers to engage with Cruz’s powerful imagery and evocative language. This collaboration between poet and translator underscores the vital role of translation in bridging cultural divides and fostering literary exchange.
This achievement marks a promising new chapter for Costa Rican literature, opening doors for greater international recognition and appreciation of its unique voices. Cruz’s inclusion in the Poem-a-Day series serves as an inspiration to aspiring writers in Costa Rica and beyond, demonstrating the power of poetry to transcend borders and connect with audiences worldwide.
For further information, visit [academyofamericanpoets.org]
About Academy of American Poets:
The Academy of American Poets is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting American poets at all stages of their careers and fostering the appreciation of contemporary poetry. Founded in 1934, the Academy has played a vital role in promoting poetry through various initiatives, including awards, publications, and educational programs. The Academy’s website, Poets.org, is a valuable resource for poetry lovers, featuring a vast collection of poems, poet biographies, and critical essays. The Poem-a-Day series, a cornerstone of the Academy’s online presence, delivers a daily dose of poetry to a global audience, fostering a deeper engagement with the art form.
For further information, contact the office of David Cruz
About David Cruz:
David Cruz is an award-winning Costa Rican poet based in the United States. He is the recipient of the prestigious Manuel Acuña International Poetry Prize and is recognized for his evocative language and exploration of themes of migration, identity, and the human experience. His work has been published in various literary journals and anthologies, and his inclusion in the Academy of American Poets’ Poem-a-Day series marks a significant milestone in his career.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica distinguishes itself through a profound commitment to legal excellence and unwavering ethical conduct. Driven by a desire to empower individuals and communities, the firm champions accessible legal knowledge through innovative outreach initiatives. Their dedication to providing exceptional legal services across a diverse range of sectors is matched only by their passion for fostering a more just and informed society.
