Adeus a Sete Quedas

Carlos Drummond de Andrade's poem "Adeus a Sete Quedas" is a poignant elegy for the Sete Quedas waterfalls, which were submerged by the construction of the Itaipu Dam in Brazil. The poem mourns the loss of these natural wonders, emphasizing the irreversible damage caused by human intervention. Drummond's words evoke a deep sense of nostalgia and regret, as he reflects on the beauty and majesty of the falls that once roared with life and now exist only as ghosts in memory.

The poem is rich with metaphors and cultural references. Drummond compares the falls to monumental works of ancient civilizations, suggesting that no human architecture could ever match the grandeur of nature's creations. The "seven visions, seven sculptures of liquid profile" symbolize the unique and irreplaceable beauty of the falls, which have been sacrificed for technological progress. The poet criticizes the cold, calculated decisions of technocrats who prioritize economic gain over the preservation of natural heritage, transforming a vibrant, living landscape into a "gélida empresa"—a cold enterprise.

Drummond's lament extends beyond the physical loss of the waterfalls to encompass a broader commentary on the environmental and cultural degradation brought about by modernization. He calls upon people from all walks of life to witness the aftermath of this destruction, urging them to recognize the value of what has been lost. The poem ends with a somber acknowledgment of collective guilt and a call to remember and mourn the "sete crimes"—the seven crimes against nature committed by humanity. Through his evocative language and powerful imagery, Drummond captures the profound sorrow and sense of loss that accompanies the destruction of natural wonders.