BTN News: Lina Alonso, a talented and multifaceted writer, has made significant contributions to the cultural and literary landscape of Colombia. Born in Tunjuelito in 1994, Alonso pursued a career in Literature, and when she’s not writing, she’s likely found playing the guitar. Over the years, she has become an influential figure in the Colombian arts scene, contributing to renowned publications such as Noisey by Vice, El Malpensante, La Pulla by El Espectador, and now, she’s shaping cultural narratives at Idartes. Her work has been published in major outlets across Latin America, including Arcadia, Universo Centro, Razón Pública, Criterio, Vallejo & Co in Peru, and La Otra in Mexico. Recently, she took a bold step in her career by publishing her first poetry book, “Las Devastaciones,” through Matera Libros—a collection that resonates with the pain, memory, and resilience of those who have faced Colombia’s brutal history.
“Las Devastaciones” is more than just a poetry book; it’s a poignant exploration of scars—both personal and collective. Each poem honors the words that linger in the scars left by life’s hardships. As the title suggests, the collection delves deep into themes of pain and destruction, seeking solace and meaning through poetry. Alonso’s words are like a balm, soothing the harsh realities of life with verses that provide a sense of warmth and comfort.
One of the most striking poems in the collection, “Las olvidadas,” is a tribute to trans women who once dreamed of being loved, only to tragically find that love led them down a path to death. Alonso’s voice is both intimate and raw, exploring the depths of suffering and loss while creating a space for reflection on human fragility and resilience. Each poem in the collection serves as a testament to the struggle to find beauty and meaning amidst the pervasive shadow of death.
Alonso’s work is not just about personal introspection; it’s also a reflection of the societal and cultural fabric of Bogotá. Her 41 poems resonate with readers because they stir uncomfortable yet necessary memories, such as the sound of a bullet that echoed through the neighborhood but was never spoken of, silenced by fear. Her poetry seeks to unearth the promises made the night before, while toasting with aguardiente, and to awaken the songs that compel us to tell our own stories. Alonso’s poetry is perhaps an exercise in relinquishing certainties, embracing the unsaid, the noise, the chaos, the rawness of nights etched in caresses, the kisses filled with oblivion, and the flaws that guide us toward authenticity.
The publication of “Las Devastaciones” has its own story, beginning with a casual conversation that led to something much more significant. Alonso recalls how Manuel Kalmanovitz, the editor of Matera, reached out to her for contributions to the magazine during the pandemic. This collaboration eventually led to him asking for a collection of her poetry, which she had been working on quietly. The process involved numerous revisions, but the final product is a beautifully crafted book, with illustrations that perfectly capture the essence of her work.
The themes of war and death are central to Alonso’s poetry, reflecting the inescapable reality of life in Colombia. In a country where art and literature are deeply intertwined with the experiences of violence and loss, Alonso’s work stands out for its honest and unflinching portrayal of these themes. She references the influence of thinkers like T.S. Eliot, emphasizing the importance of poetry as a form of rebellion rather than mere escape. Alonso’s poetry does not shy away from the harsh realities; instead, it confronts them head-on, creating a space for mourning and reflection.
Her poem “Bogotá 6 a.m.”, for example, captures the quiet beauty of an early morning in the city, filled with a sense of wonder at the mundane. For Alonso, the urban everyday is not just a backdrop but a central focus of her work. Influenced by poets like William Carlos Williams and Fabián Casas, she is drawn to the seemingly insignificant details of life that, when closely observed, reveal a deeper, often more troubling reality. This fascination with the everyday is evident throughout her work, where the ordinary is transformed into something profound and meaningful.
Alonso’s journey into literature and poetry was unconventional, shaped by her experiences in the vibrant, chaotic world of cantinas and popular music. The music of cantinas, with its raw emotionality and deep connection to the lives of working-class people, had a profound impact on her. It was in these spaces, where the lines between reality and imagination blurred, that Alonso found her poetic voice. This connection between music and poetry is a recurring theme in her work, where rhythm and cadence play as important a role as the words themselves.
For Alonso, writing is not just a craft; it’s a way of making sense of the world and her place in it. Although she doesn’t adhere to a strict writing schedule, she is always ready to capture the fleeting moments of inspiration, often jotting down ideas on her phone. The music she listens to while writing—whether it’s Los Suziox or Juan Gabriel—often influences the rhythm of her prose, adding an additional layer of depth and emotion to her work.
Alonso’s fearless approach to writing has brought both praise and criticism, but she embraces the consequences of her choices. Writing without fear, without concern for how it will be received, is a hallmark of her work. She draws inspiration from writers who defied conventions, creating works that challenge and provoke. In her poetry, there is a sense of urgency, a desire to capture the raw, unfiltered emotions of life, and to do so with honesty and integrity.
In conclusion, Lina Alonso is a writer who is unafraid to explore the darkest corners of the human experience. Her poetry is a testament to the power of words to heal, to confront, and to make sense of a world that is often chaotic and cruel. “Las Devastaciones” is not just a collection of poems; it’s a journey through pain, loss, and ultimately, the resilience of the human spirit. Through her work, Alonso invites readers to reflect on their own experiences, to find beauty in the mundane, and to confront the uncomfortable truths that lie beneath the surface of everyday life.
