Gloria Fuertes Plaque

Was Gloria Fuertes a guardian angel for children? Here at the Gloria Fuertes Plaque, we uncover the life of a remarkable woman. The plaque itself states, “Here lived, from 1963 until her death in 1998, the Madrilenian Gloria Fuertes, social poet and poet of children, who wanted to be called ‘Poet on Guard’.” Gloria Fuertes, born in Madrid in 1917, became a prominent Spanish poet and children’s author. Her life was deeply marked by the Spanish Civil War. This experience fueled her pacifism and profoundly influenced her writing. She started writing at a young age. Her first poem was published at just 14 years old, and her first book of poetry, “Isla Ignorada,” was published in 1950. Gloria championed gender equality and environmentalism. These themes often found their way into her work. She fearlessly expressed herself as a lesbian, despite the oppressive climate of Franco’s dictatorship. Her children’s book, “Las tres reinas magas,” challenged traditional gender roles. It has become a beloved classic in Spain. The story features three wise queens who step in when the Three Wise Men can’t make it to Bethlehem. Gloria’s work as a children’s author extended to television. She was a regular on children’s programs like “Un globo, dos globos, tres globos.” Her poetry, marked by colloquial language, humor, and linguistic games, resonated with both children and adults. Gloria Fuertes dedicated her life to words, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire. She passed away from lung cancer in 1998, but her spirit lives on, here at the Gloria Fuertes Plaque. Her memory serves as a reminder of the power of poetry and the importance of standing up for what you believe in.