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Apr 19, 2026

Lost Lorca Verse Unearthed 93 Years After Its 1933 Creation

AI Summary
A previously unknown eight‑line poem by Federico García Lorca, written in 1933, has been found on the back of a manuscript purchased by flamenco singer Miguel Poveda. Verified by scholar Pepa Merlo, the verse will appear in an upcoming book, shedding new light on Lorca’s preoccupation with time just before his 1936 murder.

Discovery of the Lost Verse

The verse was uncovered on the reverse side of a manuscript of the poem Gacela de la raíz amarga from Lorca’s Diván del Tamarit collection. The manuscript was bought from a German antiquarian by Miguel Poveda, a flamenco singer and Lorca enthusiast.

Historical Timeline

  • 1933: Lorca writes the eight‑line poem while working on Diván del Tamarit.
  • 1936: Lorca is murdered during the early days of the Spanish Civil War.
  • 2026: The hidden verse is identified, 93 years after its creation (2026‑1933=93 years).

Content of the Verse

The poem reflects Lorca’s obsession with the passage of time: “The clock sings / I count the hours mechanically / Seven o’clock; twelve o’clock / It’s all the same / I am not here / It is the mark of flesh / That I left behind when I departed / So as to know my place / Upon my return.”

Scholarly Verification and Significance

Expert Pepa Merlo confirmed the handwriting as Lorca’s, noting that the verse underscores “the importance that the concept of time held for Lorca.” The find adds a new dimension to Lorca’s oeuvre, already celebrated for works such as Gypsy Ballads and Blood Wedding.

Future Publication

The poem will be featured in the forthcoming book Las cosas del otro lado. lo inédito en Federico García Lorca, co‑authored by Miguel Poveda and Pepa Merlo. Its release coincides with renewed interest in Lorca as the centenary of his death approaches.