He was born in Zacatecas, Mexico, on October 27, 1930, but his life and work are related to Cuba, where he lived for many years until his death. His father was Cuban of Arab descent and his mother Mexican. His childhood and adolescence took place in small towns in the interior of Cuba, where his family moved due to economic needs. At the age of 19 he moved to Havana and very soon showed his vocation for poetry and painting. Among his poetic works is a poem that he dedicated to the Cuban capital in which he assured:

What would become of me if you did not exist 

My city of Havana.

If you did not exist, my city of dreams 

In clarity and foam built,

What would become of me without your portals,

Your columns, your kisses, your windows.

When I wandered through the world you were with me,

You were a song in my throat.

In 1962 he won the Casa de las Américas Prize with his book of poems Por esta libertad.

 Zacatecas 

Zacatecas is a state in north-central Mexico. In its territory is located the archaeological site La Quemada, a large pre-Columbian settlement. Its main economic activities are mining, agriculture and tourism.