Amor e Seu Tempo

Carlos Drummond de Andrade's poem "Amor e Seu Tempo" delves into the profound and nuanced nature of mature love. The opening lines, "Amor é privilégio de maduros," set the stage by suggesting that true love is a privilege reserved for those who have reached a certain level of maturity. This maturity is not just about age but also about emotional and experiential depth. The imagery of a narrow bed becoming vast and grassy symbolizes how love can transform even the most confined spaces into realms of boundless intimacy and connection.

The poem continues to explore love as an unexpected gain, a "prêmio subterrâneo e coruscante," or a hidden, sparkling prize. This metaphor highlights the idea that love is often found in the most unlikely places and moments, offering a sense of wonder and discovery. The line "Leitura de relâmpago cifrado" compares love to a cryptic lightning flash, suggesting that its true meaning is elusive and fleeting. Once deciphered, it leaves behind a sense of emptiness, emphasizing the transient yet impactful nature of love.

Drummond further elaborates that love is the only thing worth the earthly struggles, encapsulated in the "minuto de ouro no relógio minúsculo," or the golden minute on a tiny clock, vibrating at twilight. This imagery evokes the preciousness and brevity of moments of true connection. The poem concludes with the poignant observation that love is something learned at the limit, "depois de se arquivar toda a ciência," after all inherited and heard knowledge has been archived. This suggests that love is a late bloomer, flourishing only after one has navigated the complexities of life and knowledge.