Poema Dos Olhos da Amada
Vinicius de Moraes
The Enigmatic Eyes of the Beloved: A Poetic Journey
Vinicius de Moraes, a renowned Brazilian poet and musician, crafts a mesmerizing ode to his beloved in 'Poema Dos Olhos da Amada.' The song is a lyrical exploration of the profound and mysterious beauty found in the eyes of his lover. Through vivid imagery and metaphors, Moraes delves into the depths of emotion and the enigmatic nature of love.
The song opens with the poet addressing his beloved, describing her eyes as 'cais noturnos' (nighttime docks) filled with farewells. This metaphor suggests a place of departure and longing, where emotions are both tender and melancholic. The eyes are further depicted as 'docas mansas' (gentle docks) that guide lights shining far away in the darkness, symbolizing hope and distant dreams. The recurring theme of the eyes as a harbor or a guiding light underscores their significance as a source of comfort and inspiration.
As the song progresses, Moraes delves deeper into the mystery of his beloved's eyes. He speaks of the countless 'saveiros' (sailboats), 'navios' (ships), and 'naufrágios' (shipwrecks) within them, suggesting a rich tapestry of experiences, emotions, and perhaps even past sorrows. The eyes are portrayed as a vast ocean, holding within them the secrets of many lifetimes. This imagery evokes a sense of awe and reverence for the depth and complexity of his lover's inner world.
In the final verses, Moraes contemplates the divine nature of his beloved's eyes, pondering if they were crafted by God himself. He contrasts this divine creation with the idea that only someone with profound understanding could have created such eyes. The poet concludes with a plea for hope, wishing that his own eyes might one day see the 'olhar mendigo da poesia' (begging gaze of poetry) in his beloved's eyes. This closing sentiment encapsulates the longing for a deeper connection and the eternal quest for poetic beauty in love.