The essence of Portuguese poetry lies with Teixeira and the greats before him before it was reinvented by Pessoa. Not that the latter is any less in standing; but it is essential to remember that the root of the Portuguese soul lies in Saudosismo, a movement started in the age of Teixeira and of which has remained an inspiration for all other Portuguese poetry that came after. Here is Final Elegy in English; and like all other translations never really could capture its essence, which in this instance is called Saudosismo ELEGIA FINAL Trabalhei quanto pude a minha dor – Negro bloco marmóreo que me pesa E me inunda de gélido suor. Impus ao bruto mármore a beleza. Minhas lágrimas de água amargurada Suavizaram-lhe a trágica dureza. E, ao ver a minha angústia alevantada Numa estátua perfeita, ao sol bendito, Toquei-lhe! Estava inerte e congelada! Choro dentro de mim! Soluço e grito! Sou neste livro palidez, quebranto. A dor tão viva no meu ser aflito É como cinza morta neste canto. FINAL ELEGY I sculpted as best I could my sorrow: A black marble block that weighs on me And bathes me in an icy sweat. I imposed beauty on that rough stone. The bitter water of my tears Softened its tragic rigidity. And when I saw my anguish raised Into a perfect statue in the blessed sun, I touched it! It was frozen and inert! I inwardly weep! I sob and shout! In this book I’m pallor and grief. The sorrow that lives in my troubled self Is so much dead ash in my song.
Posted on: Sun, 20 Jul 2014 14:12:02 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015