O rei de Ítaca

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by Sophia de Mello Breyner Andresen




O rei de Ítaca

A civilização em que estamos é tão errada que
Nela o pensamento se desligou da mão

Ulisses rei de Ítaca carpinteirou seu barco
E gabava-se também de saber conduzir
Num campo a direito o sulco do arado


The King of Ithaca

Our civilization is so out of kilter that
Thought has separated itself from the hand

Ulysses King of Ithaca carpentered his boat
And also boasted of his ability
To plough a straight furrow in the field



Thanks to my internet friend Rui for introducing me to the work of the Portuguese poet, Sophia de Mello Breyner Andresen (1919-2004).

© 1991, Sophia de Mello Breyner
From: Obra Poética III
Publisher: Caminho, Lisboa

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