Papaveri E Papere

Nilla Pizzi's song 'Papaveri E Papere' is a charming yet poignant tale that uses the metaphor of poppies (papaveri) and ducks (papere) to explore themes of unattainable love and societal constraints. The song begins with a young duckling, Paperina, who is enchanted by the tall, radiant poppies she sees in a field. She asks her father how she can 'eat' the poppies, to which he responds that she cannot because she is too small. This interaction sets the stage for the central theme: the disparity between desires and reality.

As the song progresses, a poppy becomes equally enchanted by a small, blonde duckling playing by a stream. The poppy asks its mother how it can 'catch' the duckling, only to be told that it is impossible. This mutual fascination between the poppy and the duckling symbolizes a love that is hindered by their inherent differences. The poppy and the duckling represent two worlds that, despite their attraction, cannot easily come together.

The story reaches its climax when the poppy and the duckling finally unite under the moonlight and get married. However, their happiness is short-lived as the poppy is eventually cut down by a scythe, symbolizing the harsh realities of life that often disrupt our dreams. The wind carries the poppy away, leaving the duckling alone and bewildered. This ending underscores the transient nature of life and love, emphasizing that some things are simply beyond our control. Through its whimsical yet melancholic narrative, 'Papaveri E Papere' captures the bittersweet essence of unattainable love and the inevitable passage of time.