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There is a word, in the Portuguese language, which combines, within its sense, all of the feelings of homesickness, reminiscence, wistfulness, melancholy, nostalgia and longing that we may perceive and experience, although it does not always have the sad or melancholic connotation such synonyms usually evoke.
That word, untranslatable in its comprehensiveness, is “Saudade” – and, a few days ago, a Portuguese fellow author, expressing his view, with a certain humour, that “Saudade” is something we want dead (in the sense that, when at last seeing again someone or returning to a place we have been missing for a long time, we say that we are “killing Saudade”) inspired me a reply, in the form of a poem whose translation I’m now happy to share with you, hoping that you may enjoy it.
However, since there is in fact no word, in any other idiom, which in itself alone conveys the full meaning and sense of “Saudade” – I’ve had to use, in the translation, the closest possible word I could find in the English language – Nostalgia. May it be read, also, with the often positive note of warm evocation that "Saudade" holds... like this {{{{{{{{hug}}}}}}}}} embracing you all.
(art by Fernando Ureña Rib)
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A thousand breaths
Nostalgia, dead? No, I want it living but not so much that it kills me, or that, through it alone, I may live.
I want it with a face, or that one thousand faces may not be, of it, the limit perceived in my face, I want it with eyes, with hands, with echoes, I want it sitting or passing by not with me, but in the thousands spaces where, in itself, it lives – and, sometimes, so do I.
I want it conjured up in the time where time exorcises me; I want it nude of fatuous infinites, just like me. I want it wearing the same robes, shredded of moments; I want it indecently pure, skin to skin.
I want it mute, but so that it may recite me such as I read it, deaf and by heart, line by line, and that it may close me in its mouth, open to the kiss or a thousand kisses flavoured of impromptu, sung or to be tasted in my tongue.
Yes, I want it in the tongue in which it understands me and I learn it, the one which assimilates us and conceives us in a touch of that saliva which was, in the beginning, its own, my own, our consummate end.
But not of death, no, because I want it living, and in it, consummated, solely, the breath that is never consumed. Its own – Nostalgia’s thousand breaths, which will go on breathing, after I’ve exhaled my last one.
© 2007 Alexandra* ~ OneLight*®
For something entirely different - and hopefully, for a few good laughs - read also... what I posted in my "articles" section... and, if you are not a kid anymore, don't be deterred by the "I agree" - "I disagree" notice which, I suppose, is automatically added when certain words are detected. Enjoy...
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| Reviewed by Samuel Stone |
4/14/2007 |
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Excellent write...I wish you well...
Sam |
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| Reviewed by Dana Daniels |
4/14/2007 |
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This is beautiful literature. I was thinking in my mind as I read, of my own memories that you so eloquently described. I particularly enjoyed the ending verse:
"But not of death, no, because
I want it living, and in it, consummated,
solely, the breath that is never
consumed. Its own – Nostalgia’s
thousand breaths, which will go on
breathing, after I’ve exhaled
my last one."
Our breath is the only thing that holds us in flesh to this earth during our journey between the womb and the tomb. And to embrace your eternity with the grace of "Saudade" will mean to carry every breath inhaled here, within you throughout all that is. Beautiful thought. Excellent verse.
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| Reviewed by jude forese |
4/11/2007 |
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there is a breath exhaling and inhaling simultaneously and it consummates all we are and all we will be ...
extremely passionate and well versed, Alexandra ... |
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| Reviewed by Dale Clark |
4/10/2007 |
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This is so outstanding. I loved it.
It's a beautiful reply. "Nostalgia's thousand breaths"
Saudade has a meaning all of it's own. Brava! |
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| Reviewed by Joseph* OneLight*® |
4/10/2007 |
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Alexandra,
Each word of your exquisite poetry is like one of those many thousands of breaths that keep "Saudade" alive and well in the hearts of many. The passion with which you express yourself is as powerful as ocean waves crashing upon the shore.
Amo te muito,
Teu Joseph |
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| Reviewed by A PAX |
4/10/2007 |
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ohhhhhhhhhh
I JUST LOVEEEEEEEEE THIS
there are words in most languages that have this honor......
this is a keeper.....no, a printer outer!!! lol pax A |
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| Reviewed by Karen Palumbo |
4/9/2007 |
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Looking back with such sweet vivid memories, keeping alive. Beautifully and sensitively written. Enjoyed.
Be safe,
Karen |
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| Reviewed by Kimmy Van Kooten |
4/9/2007 |
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To be airing in the realm of the Saudade of a soul makes me want to re-trod my past steps with another vision, another flavor...and yet, without even the slightest return, I can still do this, whenever I choose and in all, I can make it all good!
Hope you are all well and had a Blessed holiday...I'm glad to be back!
Love and Peace~
Kimmy~ |
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| Reviewed by Kate Burnside |
4/9/2007 |
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| I love this fleshing out of all the shades of meaning and nouance of nostalgia, saudade... Language is the most wonderful thing, and it is GREAT that sometimes there are no direct translations... We learn so much more from your interpretation for us of all the manifold senses of the word. And nostalgia IS a paradox, a self-reflexive experience which rekindles the past and brings it into the fabric of the now to propel us into a future moment. A stepping-stone in time which bridges both thought and feeling. Beautiful work as ever, Alexandra. My Celtic heart kisses yours here. Blessed Easter days and abundance in the springtime ahead. Kate xx |
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| Reviewed by richard cederberg |
4/9/2007 |
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Like cold and hot air blended expertly to create a storm of passionate expression. Your spirit and pen are definitive in this write Alexandra. One of your very best! Blessings to you!
Light and Wisdom ... |
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| Reviewed by Felix Perry |
4/9/2007 |
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Very well done my friend...images and ideas melting into one beautiful prose of words.
Fee |
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| Reviewed by Jorge Vicente |
4/9/2007 |
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one of your best poemas, Alexandra, for sure!!!
Hugs
Jorge |
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| Reviewed by Karla Dorman, The StormSpinner |
4/9/2007 |
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Alexandra,
A most beautiful, mesmerizing write; some are unwilling to face the past; some live only IN the past...it depends on the memories. Personally, even though some of mine are sad, amny more far outweigh them; I wouldn't trade them for anything. :) A thought provoker you've penned in excellent, thought provoking lines; well done!
(((HUGS))) and love, Karla. |
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