Poema

Patativa do Assaré's song 'Poema' poignantly captures the plight of the Northeastern Brazilian migrant, forced to leave their homeland due to the relentless droughts that plague the region. The lyrics begin with a lamentation of the passing months, highlighting the desperation and fear of the people as they face the harsh realities of famine and pestilence. The recurring phrase 'Meu Deus, meu Deus' underscores the deep sense of helplessness and the plea for divine intervention, which remains unanswered as the drought continues unabated.

The narrative follows a family that, after exhausting all hope and resources, decides to sell their belongings and migrate to São Paulo in search of a better life. The journey is fraught with sorrow, as they leave behind not only their possessions but also their emotional ties to their homeland. The children's innocent questions about their pets and toys left behind add a layer of poignancy, emphasizing the personal losses that accompany their physical displacement. The family's departure is marked by a sense of finality and despair, as they bid farewell to their beloved land.

Upon arriving in São Paulo, the family faces a new set of challenges. The unfamiliar environment and the struggle to find work highlight the harsh realities of migration. Despite their hard work and perseverance, they remain trapped in a cycle of debt and exploitation, unable to return to their homeland. The song ends on a somber note, reflecting on the enduring suffering and the loss of identity and dignity that the migrants endure. Patativa do Assaré's 'Poema' is a powerful commentary on the socio-economic issues faced by Northeastern migrants, capturing their resilience and the deep emotional scars of displacement.