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Orides Fontela

One Impossible Step: Selected Poems

One Impossible Step: Selected Poems

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  • More about One Impossible Step: Selected Poems


One Impossible Step is a collection of highly condensed, emotionally complex, and philosophical poems by Brazilian poet Orides Fontela, defying easy categorization and introducing English-language audiences to an iconoclast who remains one across languages and decades.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 112 pages
Publication date: 04 January 2024
Publisher: Nightboat Books


Orides Fontela, a renowned 20th-century Brazilian poet, delves into the depths of human emotions and philosophical contemplation in her collection of extraordinarily condensed, emotionally complex, and thought-provoking poems. Throughout her lifetime, Fontela steadfastly resisted being pigeonholed into any specific literary movement, school of thought, or artistic trend. Her poetry, presented here for the first time in English, continues to defy easy categorization, showcasing a unique artistic vision that transcends boundaries.

In these concise yet meditative poems, Fontela employs imagery of birds, flowers, water, stone, blood, and stars as symbols, suggesting a possible inclination towards mysticism. Through these symbolic representations, she invites readers to explore deeper meanings and interpretations within her work.

In addition to the poetry itself, One Impossible Step includes an illuminating statement of poetics that sheds light on Fontela's artistic approach. It provides insights into her creative process and the philosophical underpinnings that drive her poetry. Furthermore, the book includes excerpts from her often acerbic interviews, offering a glimpse into her personality and the challenges she faced as a poet in Brazil during the 20th century.

By presenting Fontela's poetry in English, One Impossible Step introduces English-language audiences to a remarkable iconoclast who remains influential and significant across languages and decades. Her poetic voice, characterized by its precision, depth, and emotional resonance, continues to captivate and inspire readers worldwide. Through her words, Fontela invites us to explore the complexities of the human experience, question our beliefs, and embrace the beauty of the natural world.


Dimension: 203 x 139 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781643621555

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