The voice of Matilde Camus, silenced on April 28, 2012, lives on through her work, which she herself described as the result of meticulous effort, seeking the “most exact word, stripped of artifice.” This dedication and honesty are key to the connection her poetry establishes with readers, addressing intimate and universal themes.
I feel everything deeply, which is why I seek enchantment so as not to succumb and become a sad, complaining poet when I feel my heart torn…
Since her passing, efforts have been made to disseminate her poetry in various settings such as schools, cultural centers, and libraries in Santander, Cantabria, Madrid, Valladolid, and Majadahonda. Recently, the Santa Clara Institute in Santander, where the poet completed her baccalaureate, hosted the First Matilde Camus Poetic Contest, open to ESO and Baccalaureate students. Her verses have even reached the El Dueso Penitentiary Center in Santoña, offering a means to express emotions.
Matilde Camus's poetry, born from her intimacy and her ability to observe life with intensity, has shown an unexpected social and human dimension. Her work is not only an exercise in memory but a cultural conviction that ensures certain voices do not fall into oblivion, connecting with the sensibility of those who discover her.
The poet's biography highlights the figure of her husband, Justo Guisández García, who was a fundamental pillar in her career. After meeting in 1936 and marrying in 1943, he encouraged her to resume her passion for poetry during a period of sadness. Together, they actively participated in the literary gatherings of the Ateneo de Santander, where Matilde eventually presided over the Literature Section and her husband served as secretary. His support was constant, accompanying her in her research and contributing illustrations for her books.
Faith and a deep sense of justice and truth were cornerstones in Matilde Camus's life and work. Despite her pursuit of harmony, she did not hesitate to denounce inequality and suffering, a stance that became more pronounced in her later poetry collections. Even in her final years, marked by Alzheimer's, she maintained her reading ability and her characteristic smile, being cared for by her husband until the very end. Both passed away just 20 days apart in April 2012, fulfilling her wish to be buried alongside her husband in the Lugar de Monte Cemetery.
