I decided to read some of Federico García Lorca's poetry because I am a fan of Leonard Cohen, who by his own admission was strongly influenced by the Spaniard. One of Cohen's grandest songs is 1986's 'Take This Waltz', which was based on Lorca's poem 'Pequeño vals vienés'. However, to my disappointment, this poem was not even included in Selected Poems, and there was little else that really impacted on me. Lorca's poetry seemed a bit too willowy, and was much more abstract than is to my tastes.

That said, there are interesting themes which manifest themselves throughout, revolving around nature and desire. There are some good poems about longing, and the search for something unknown and indefinable in our lives, though in my opinion only 'Rider's Song', 'Qasida of the Rose' and 'Qasida of the Dark Doves' stood out. There is also a persistent theme of death, although - as Christopher Maurer's introduction suggests - Lorca's own violent murder in the opening throes of the Spanish Civil War has perhaps meant that this theme has been overstated. Overall, this collection had enough substance that I didn't feel like I had wasted my time, but I don't think I'll be seeking out more Lorca any time soon. ( )