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Lima’s
poems showcased at Penn State
Eileen M. Rafferty ‘06
The collected poetry of Dr. Robert Lima ’57, professor
emeritus of Spanish and comparative literature at the Pennsylvania State
University, is on exhibition at Penn State’s library. “The
Poetic World of Robert Lima” includes over 400 of his poems that
have been published in national and international books, newspapers and
anthologies as well as the works of other poets whom he has found inspiration
in.
“Many of his poems are written directly in response to art, architecture
and other cultural artifacts that he has come in contact with,”
said Betsy Johnson, Penn State library exhibit coordinator. She added,
“Other topics that have caught and held his interest are surrealism,
occultism/mysticism and the theater.” Most of Lima’s poetry
is accompanied with aesthetic visuals from artists Antonio Frasconi and
Dierdre McCullough Grunwald and photographers Samuel Sabean and Margaret
Duda.
“Villanova was where I found the appeal of others’ poetry
and, ultimately, my own poetic voice,” Lima said. His first poem
“Everglades” was published in the spring 1955 issue of Lynx,
the University’s literary journal. He continued to publish additional
poems in the journal and also in The Villanovan, the student newspaper.
“If ‘Everglades’ hadn’t been published in Lynx,
I doubt I would have continued to create poetry.”
Originally enrolled in the Engineering College, Lima transferred to Liberal
Arts and Sciences, where he studied English, philosophy and history. In
his English courses, Lima explained, he studied many poets who “enhanced
the love of poetry first felt in high school.”
After Lima received a bachelor of arts, he enrolled in the University’s
master of arts theater and drama program, where he participated in many
poetic performances. He also received his first national publication at
this time: his p oem “Chant” was published in Statements,
edited by renowned poet Marvin Bell.
In addition to being a poet and professor, Lima is also a playwright,
translator, critic and author. He wrote Tracking the Minotaur (1stBooks
Library 2003) and Sardinia / Sardegna (Bordighera, Inc.; 1st edition 2000).
Lima’s rendition of José Martin Recuerda’s The Inmates
of the Convent of Saint Mary Egyptian was performed at the Edinburgh Festival
Fringe in Scotland.
The exhibit is in the Diversity Studies Room, 109 Pattee Library and will
be showcased until Aug. 20.
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