Zero Hour and Other Documentary Poems

"Zero Hour, and Other Documentary Poems" (La hora 0) is a significant work by Nicaraguan poet and revolutionary Ernesto Cardenal. Published in 1960, this long documentary poem is a powerful denunciation of the impacts of domestic tyranny and American imperialism on Central American history.1

Cardenal, a prominent figure in 20th-century Central American politics and a Roman Catholic priest, was also known for his involvement in the Sandinista revolution and his controversial support of liberation theology. His poetry often reflects a tension between his revolutionary fervor and his religious faith, using everyday language and commercial slogans to critique societal issues. "Zero Hour" stands as a masterpiece of protest poetry, reflecting Cardenal's broader engagement with social justice and political critique through his literary work.12