Confidência do Itabirano

Carlos Drummond de Andrade's poem "Confidência do Itabirano" is a poignant reflection on his hometown, Itabira, and its profound impact on his identity and emotions. The poem opens with a declaration of his deep connection to Itabira, where he was born and spent several years. This connection is described as a source of both pride and sadness, symbolized by iron—a dominant element in the town's landscape and in the souls of its inhabitants. The metaphor of iron conveys a sense of heaviness and rigidity, suggesting that the environment has shaped the poet's character in a significant, albeit burdensome, way.

The poem delves into the emotional and psychological effects of growing up in Itabira. Drummond speaks of a paralyzing desire to love, which he attributes to the town's isolating nights devoid of women and horizons. This imagery evokes a sense of loneliness and unfulfilled longing. Additionally, he mentions a habit of suffering that he finds oddly entertaining, describing it as a "sweet inheritance" from Itabira. This paradoxical enjoyment of suffering highlights the complex relationship he has with his past and his hometown.

Drummond also lists various items he has brought from Itabira, each symbolizing different aspects of his heritage. These include a piece of iron, a religious statue, and an animal hide, all of which represent the town's culture and history. Despite having once possessed wealth and status, he now finds himself a public servant, with Itabira reduced to a mere photograph on the wall. The final line, "But how it hurts!", encapsulates the enduring pain and nostalgia he feels for his lost past and the town that shaped him. This poem is a powerful exploration of identity, memory, and the inescapable influence of one's origins.