Manuel Bandeira
Pasargada
From Libertinagem, 1930
I’m leaving for Pasargada
There, I am the king’s friend
Have the woman I want
In the bed that I choose
I’m leaving for Pasargada
I am leaving because
Here I am not happy
Life there is adventure
And so very inconsequent, that
A queen of Spain, Joan the Mad
Becomes my relative, through
The daughter in law I never had
How I’ll do calisthenics
Cycle riding
Wild donkey taming
Climb greasy poles
Do some sea bathing!
When feeling tired
I’ll lie by the river bank
Send for a Siren
To retell the old tales
Those spun by Rose
When I was a child
I’m leaving for Pasargada
There, you have everything
Another civilization
With a safe-proof system
For the dangers of conception
Automatic phone booths
Alkaloids for the asking
Good looking harlots
With whom to romance
When, during the night
I am feeling sadder
Sad without hope
Wishing to kill myself
— There I am the king’s friend —
Have the woman I want
In the bed that I choose
I’m leaving for Pasargada
Translated by A. B. M. Cadaxa
Page(s) 53-54
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