María Elena Cruz Varela, translated by Ruth Behar

Maria Elena Cruz Varela is a Cuban poet, activist, and political prisoner. Cruz Varela led a group of anti-Castro dissidents called Critico Alternativo, which published a manifesto of grievances and reforms against the government in 1991. She spent two years in prison and another two under house arrest. Upon leaving Cuba in 1994, she accepted the Liberal Institute Prize for Freedom, which had been awarded to her two years earlier but she had been unable to claim.

Wilfredo Lam: Untitled, 1957, heavy paper plus canvas

The Wall

At her back, the sword. At her feet, the ravine./Impossible to advance. To turn back. Impossible.

The Wall Read More »

By María Elena Cruz Varela, translated by Ruth Behar

At her back, the sword. At her feet, the ravine./Impossible to advance. To turn back. Impossible.