Desaparecimento de Luisa

Carlos Drummond de Andrade's poem, 'Desaparecimento de Luísa,' is a poignant narrative that delves into the anguish and despair of a mother searching for her missing daughter, Luísa Porto. The poem is structured as a public plea, urging anyone with information about Luísa's whereabouts to come forward. The mother, bedridden and frail, is depicted as being in a state of perpetual agony, longing for the return of her daughter who vanished without a trace. The detailed description of Luísa—her physical appearance, her character, and the circumstances of her disappearance—adds a layer of realism and urgency to the plea, making the reader feel the mother's desperation and helplessness.

The poem also serves as a social commentary, highlighting the indifference of society towards individual suffering. Drummond appeals to various members of the community, from reporters to the wealthy, urging them to take a moment from their busy lives to help a grieving mother. This call to action is not just about finding Luísa but also about awakening a sense of empathy and communal responsibility. The repeated insistence that Luísa did not have a boyfriend and the rejection of any insinuations about her character reflect societal judgments and the stigmatization that often accompany such disappearances.

In the final stanzas, the poem takes on a more philosophical tone, contemplating the nature of loss and the human condition. The mother’s unwavering hope, despite the overwhelming odds, is a testament to the enduring power of love and faith. Drummond's use of religious imagery and the invocation of divine intervention underscore the depth of the mother's despair and her reliance on faith as a source of solace. The poem concludes with a resigned acceptance of Luísa's fate, whether she is found or remains lost, emphasizing the eternal bond between mother and child and the enduring hope that one day, they will be reunited, if not in this life, then in the next.