Yaiza paid tribute this Monday to the popular poet of the municipality, Antonio Gutiérrez Reyes, who at 94 years old, recently turned, continues to enjoy sharing his vast literary creation. You only have to see him recite his verses from memory, as he did this Sunday, October 1, during the celebration of 'Senior Citizens Day' in Yaiza, where he was honored by the southern City Council and nearly eighty residents of the municipality, to see that his emotions made into words move others.
Referring to the title of his collection of poems published at the dawn of the two thousand, 'Love, Land and Sea', gives an approximate idea of what he wants to convey to us. Therefore, the mayor of Yaiza, Óscar Noda, in his public congratulation to the poet born in the town of Yaiza and raised in La Degollada, emphasizes that "Antonio is an unconditional creator in his expression of love for Yaiza and its traditions and the feelings that unite us as a people."
Accompanied by his wife María, who also wanted to express words of admiration for Antonio, the poet received a gift from the councilor responsible for senior citizen care in Yaiza, Águeda Cedrés, and one of the Social Dynamization monitors. But Antonio especially received the affection of the municipal staff and the residents who have participated with him in days of fellowship and artistic performances where he not only served as presenter, but also adorned the evenings by gifting poetry.
Like the very life of Lanzarote in not-so-distant times of hardship, the life of Antonio Gutiérrez has not been free of sacrifices. From a very young age, he was a shepherd of flocks in La Degollada, but he also knew what it is to work in the primary sector at sea as a ship's master. Those who have known the poet from a very young age remember that they witnessed his artistic expression when he sang and improvised, enlivening gatherings of friends, parties and dances.
"Antonio is a very beloved person by the entire group of seniors in Yaiza, and the emotion we all felt this Sunday supporting his tribute also demonstrates that his verses reach our souls," notes councilor Águeda Cedrés, who guaranteed the seniors the continuity of municipal activities aimed at older residents, who enjoyed a fellowship lunch and dance at the Yaiza senior center during their celebration.
