O Lutador

Carlos Drummond de Andrade's poem 'O Lutador' delves into the intricate and often frustrating relationship between a poet and his words. The poem opens with the assertion that fighting with words is the most futile of battles, yet it is one that the poet engages in every morning. This struggle is depicted as a relentless pursuit, where words are elusive and powerful, much like a wild boar. The poet acknowledges his sanity, suggesting that if he were mad, he might have the power to enchant the words. Instead, he approaches them with a clear mind, attempting to capture them for his sustenance, only to find them slipping away.

The poet's persistence is evident as he tries to persuade the words, offering humility and secrecy in their interaction. Despite his efforts, the words remain indifferent, slipping away without leaving a trace. This ongoing battle seems fruitless, as words lack physical substance, yet the poet continues to fight. The poem captures the poet's exasperation and determination, as he challenges the words to a combat, yearning to possess them purely and without blemish. However, the words prefer an impure love, one that brings both pleasure and torture.

The poem's climax reveals the poet's physical and emotional exhaustion from this endless struggle. He fights tirelessly, yet gains nothing more than the sensation of chasing the wind. Words are fluid and formless, mocking the poet's efforts. Occasionally, the poet feels a fleeting sense of victory, imagining words offering their warmth, glory, disdain, and jealousy. But this illusion quickly dissipates, leaving the poet empty-handed. As the day concludes, the futile duel remains unresolved, and the poet's passion for words continues to burn brightly, even as he drifts into sleep, where the battle resumes in the streets of his dreams.