Interview with Darío Peinado, Spain’s Wandering Street Poet.

Poetry for Strangers - Barefoot Verses

Darío Peinado is no typical poet. Barefoot and unburdened, he roams Spain’s streets with only his typewriter and an open heart. His presence feels timeless, a poet who offers his verses freely to the strangers passing by. From bustling city squares to quiet coastal villages, Peinado crafts spontaneous poems for anyone he meets. Love, family, friendship, and travel are the themes that weave through his work, offering solace and inspiration. Peinado’s bare feet, unshackled from convention, embody his poetic philosophy: freedom, authenticity, and vulnerability. 

What inspired you to start writing poetry for strangers on the street?

Dario: I was inspired by the serendipities of life and its connections. One of my ex-partners gave me a typewriter, and remembering Tania Panés and seeing that the book fair was coming up on the calendar, I decided to improvise poetry for the first time using words.

How do you approach creating a poem on the spot for someone you've just met?

Dario: I let myself be guided by intuition and a divine connection with the source that creates everything—the universe, God, or whatever each person calls it. I channel information and transform it into poetry. Thanks to telepathy, I connect with the person’s mind and thoughts, and with my sensitivity, I feel their emotions and sentiments. It’s as if I step into their being, as if I become them. It feels like I already know the person because of the connection with the oneness of the universe.

Can you share a memorable story or encounter you’ve had while writing poetry on demand?

Dario: It’s hard to highlight just one from the countless experiences I’ve had over seven years of listening, channeling, and poetic creation. All these moments have left their mark on me, but I especially cherish those that bring me closer to the intimate life of a person, many of them have become friends or even family.

What themes or topics do people most often request in their poems?

Have you ever faced challenges or skepticism from passersby, and how do you handle it?

Dario:  I usually handle challenges well because the more complex a situation is, the better I perform. Skepticism, of course, is common. My response depends on my emotional and mental state at the time, but I always aim to be honest, sincere, and direct. I usually don’t hold back what I think or feel. Most of the time, I’m unaffected by what others think or say.

What role do you think spontaneity plays in your poetry?

Dario: Spontaneity is the foundation of my poetry because I create through improvisation.

How do you balance personal expression with the desires of the person requesting a poem?

Dario: The balance happens naturally because I write poetry based on what the person feels, thinks, and expresses. The poem is always perfect for the person receiving it. The poet becomes secondary, as the focus is entirely on the individual sitting beside me and their expression.

Can you describe a time when a poem you wrote had a profound effect on someone?

Dario: Every poem I write has a profound effect on someone, either in the moment or later on. Poetry reflects the person and their experiences, so often they feel moved, sometimes to tears, if they allow their emotions to flow. Many times, they want to be hugged afterward.

How do you see the role of a poet in today’s fast-paced, digital world?

Dario: The poet’s role is essential because they transform everything into beauty. In their slow, thoughtful walk, they observe the world and describe it in a divine and powerful way. The poet is a revolutionary force for paradigm shifts and the creation of a new earth.

What do you hope people take away from the poems you write for them?

Dario: A moment of peace, an eternal memory, and love in their hearts.

How has your work as a street poet influenced your own understanding of poetry?

Dario: I’ve come to understand that poetry is everywhere and that everything is poetry. Being on the street has allowed me to observe, listen, learn, and experience life both spiritually and practically in ways that many books describe. Nature itself holds all the answers.

Are there any poets or writers who have particularly influenced your style or approach?

Dario: I don’t believe any particular poet has influenced my style because I’ve developed my own. However, some people have compared me to certain poets or their styles, even though I hadn’t read their work beforehand.

What advice would you give to someone interested in pursuing poetry in unconventional spaces?

Dario: I would encourage them to overcome their fear of doing something in a different or unconventional way. When you take unique paths, you experience things that others never will. It enriches you infinitely, and you feel incredibly free and powerful.

Thank You, Dario! Your journey inspires others to find themselves in the rhythm of a poem, born from the streets.

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