Marco Antonio La Mota was an Ecuadorian journalist, poet and short story writer. He was a staff writer for the newspaper El Telegrafo. He was born in Guayaquil, Ecuador. The date of his birth is unknown; it is known he died in 1946. In 1941 La Mota published a book of short stories titled Las huellas de una raza with a foreword by Joaquín Gallegos Lara (1909-1947).
Marco Antonio La Mota was an Ecuadorian journalist, poet, and short story writer, known for his contributions to Ecuadorian literature and journalism during the first half of the 20th century. He was a staff writer for El Telégrafo, one of Ecuador’s most prominent newspapers. Although the exact date of his birth is unknown, it is documented that he died in 1946.
La Mota’s literary output included works such as Las huellas de una raza (1941), a collection of short stories introduced by Joaquín Gallegos Lara, a key figure in Ecuadorian literature. His works often explored social issues, reflecting the turbulent times in Ecuador. His journalism career was marked by a distinctive style that combined keen observation with a deep emotional response to events, such as his coverage of the handover of the province of El Oro after the 1941 war with Peru. In his book Lo que vi en El Oro (1942), he provided a detailed account of his experiences during the war, painting a vivid picture of the political and emotional atmosphere.
One of his notable poems, A MI PUEBLO O CON SU MISMA PALABRA, captures the vibrant and rebellious spirit of the people of Guayaquil. Through expressive language, he depicted the tension and fervor of the city’s streets, combining poetic imagery with sharp social commentary.
La Mota’s works, though not widely known today, remain significant for their historical and literary value, reflecting the struggles and identity of Ecuador during a critical period. His influence was felt not only through his journalism but also in his creative writing, which resonated with the emotions and aspirations of the Ecuadorian people.
(A poem by Marco Antonio La Mota published in the newspaper El Telegrafo on Sun, Aug 6, 1944, Page 7.
El Poema Politico Nacional
A MI PUEBLO O CON SU MISMA PALABRA
LLAMA EN LA ESQUINA
Una lengüeta de fuego quema los labios del pueblo:
El Zambo Mindiola charla
su cálida corazonada…
“Vamos a ver barajo! Si todavía es oscuro.
Estas oyendo las balas? Zumban como abejones”
En la esquina se agiganta la alborada del deseo…
Nadie se queda quieto.
En los labios tiemblan voces y en los ojos brillan chispas
Es la esquina porteña preñada de gestaciones
Gritos! Palabras! Un huracán de revuelta.
Pasa la negra Manola con su carga de tortillas.
Le prenden piropos negros a sus orejas grandotas,
“Vas a ver chola del alma
como se juega con fuego!”
y ella responde con dengues. Y un pregón azucarado:
“Ricas tortillas mis niños y dulce café retinto”
(En la esquina se contemplan
las pupilas desafiantes).
Miradas.
Cruce de espada de aliento. Encadenaje violento, Fuerza Huracán, Ansias
del pueblo “guayaco”, que se avienta a la contienda…
Known published works
Short stories
- Las huellas de una raza (1941) book of short stories with a foreword by Joaquín Gallegos Lara.
Journalism
- Lo que ví en El Oro: (reportaje periodístico) (1942)