Pedra Filosofal
Manuel Freire
Philosopher's Stone
They don't know that the dream
Is a constant of life
So concrete and defined
Like any other thing
Like this gray stone
On which I sit and rest
Like this gentle stream
In serene startles
Like these tall pine trees
That sway in green and gold
Like these birds that scream
In drunkenness of blue
They don't know that a dream
Is wine, foam, ferment
A lively and thirsty creature
With a pointed snout
In perpetual motion
They don't know that the dream
Is canvas, color, brush
Base, shaft or capital
Gothic arch, stained glass
Cathedral pinnacle
Counterpoint, symphony
Greek mask, magic
That is the alchemist's retort
Map of the distant world
Compass rose, infant
Fifteenth-century caravel
That is the Cape of Good Hope
Gold, cinnamon, ivory
Fencer's foil
Embroidery frame, dance step
Columbine and harlequin
Flying airship
Lightning rod, locomotive
Festive prow boat
Blast furnace, generator
Atom split, radar
Ultrasound, television
Rocket landing
On the lunar surface
They don't know or dream
That the dream rules life
And that whenever a man dreams
The world jumps and advances
Like a colorful ball
In the hands of a child
