A new poetic journey to motherhood
The poet and journalist Gemma Casamajó, born in La Portella in 1974, presents his latest work, ‘How the hidden flower of a cactus’, published by Quaderns Crema. This poetic compilation offers a deep and nuanced view of the experience of being a mother, addressing both her beauty and its complexities.
You see various voices in a sea of feelings
In this compilation, Casamajó is not limited to sharing his own experience. Instead, he does a job of research and reflection on the experiences of more than twenty women of different generations. This collective approach brings a richness of perspectives that illuminate the multiple facets of motherhood, which can range from the deepest love and moments of depersonalization.
Maternity as a shared experience
Casamajó emphasizes that his work is part of a feminist context, allowing women’s voices to join in a dialogue about different experiences. This literary collaboration not only celebrates motherhood, but also reflects on the decisions that women have to make, such as having children at an advanced age and fears that these decisions have.
Metaphors of nature and life
Casamajó’s book is divided into thematic blocks that connect the experience of motherhood with elements of nature, such as water, earth and even the cosmos. This cyclic structure allows the poet to explore emotions in a deeper and metaphorical way, culminating in a poetic representation of life and its opponents.
THE CACTUS SYMOLISME
The title of the book, ‘As the hidden flower of a cactus’, serves as a central metaphor. Casamajó explains that the flower symbolizes the beauty that can take long to appear, while coexisting with the spikes of the plant, representing the difficulties that often accompany motherhood.
An intimate connection to the reader
According to the author, this poem is designed to connect with the readers to a visceral level. By claiming that the experiences described are essentially feminine, Casamajó emphasizes that his work does not address parenting from a masculine perspective, but that it explores the sensations and emotions that are intrinsic to motherhood.
Their vision on the health of poetry
Casamajó, as in his previous works, reaffirms his passion for poetry as a form of expression. In relation to the current health of the genre, the author observes a rise in the publication of poetry books and a growth in interest in festivals and workshops, showing that poetry, despite being a genre with less readers than the narrative, maintains an indisputable vitality.
An accessible and emotional genre
With a look at his own experience with poetry, Casamajó emphasizes his ability to evoke deep emotions. It rejects the idea that poetry is an elitist genre, arguing that, although it may require additional effort to be read, the emotional rewards it offers are incomparable.
Conclusion: a poetic journey to sorority
With ‘How the hidden flower of a cactus’, Gemma Casamajó invites us to reflect on motherhood and shared experiences between women. His work is not only a testament to the struggles and joys of being a mother, but also a celebration of the sorority and the connection between generations. As poetry continues to evolve, Casamajó reminds us that female voices are fundamental in the current literary landscape.