Poema de Sete Faces

The song 'Poema de Sete Faces' by Carlos Drummond de Andrade, a renowned Brazilian poet, is not a song in the traditional sense but rather a poem that has been set to music by various artists. The poem delves into the complexities of human existence, self-identity, and the vastness of the world in relation to the individual.

The opening lines introduce an 'angel torto,' a twisted angel, suggesting a life destined to be out of step with the norm. The term 'gauche' implies awkwardness or social ineptitude, setting the tone for a life of introspection and perhaps isolation. The poem continues to explore the human condition through vivid imagery, such as the bustling trams filled with legs of different colors, symbolizing the diversity and incessant movement of life. The poet's heart questions the purpose of such diversity, while his eyes remain passively observant, not seeking answers.

The man behind the mustache represents the stoic, strong, but ultimately lonely individual, a possible reflection of the poet himself. The cry to God reveals a moment of existential crisis, questioning divine abandonment in the face of human frailty. The repetition of 'Mundo, mundo, vasto mundo' (World, world, vast world) emphasizes the overwhelming nature of the world compared to the poet's name, Raimundo, which would only serve as a rhyme, not a solution to life's vastness. The final lines, mentioning the moon and cognac, suggest that despite the poet's rational observations, he is not immune to emotional responses, highlighting the duality of human nature.