Happy Birthday, Vinicius de Moraes! | Poems Rethabile Likes
🎂 Happy Birthday, Vinicius de Moraes!
Poet • Lyricist • Diplomat • Bossa Nova pioneer • born 19 October 1913
Today we celebrate the birthday of Vinicius de Moraes — one of Brazil's most beloved poets and the lyricist behind some of the most enduring songs of the bossa nova. Here is his tender, luminous "Annunciation," a dialogue between a mother and her daughter, in which an angel scatters petals and the ordinary world turns holy.
Annunciation
Montevideo
Virgin! Daughter of mine
Where have you been
You’re all dirty
You smell of jasmine
Your skirt’s stained carmine
And your earrings are clinking
Tlintlintlin?
Mother dear
I’ve been in the garden
I went to look at the sky
And I fell asleep.
When I awoke
I smelled of jasmine
An angel was scattering petals
Over me….
A Anunciação
Montevidéu
Virgem! filha minha
De onde vens assim
Tão suja de terra
Cheirando a jasmim
A saia com mancha
De flor carmesim
E os brincos da orelha
Fazendo tlintlin?
Minha mãe querida
Venho do jardim
Onde a olhar o céu
Fui, adormeci.
Quando despertei
Cheirava a jasmim
Que um anjo esfolhava
Por cima de mim…
Vinicius de Moraes (1913–1980) was a Brazilian poet, lyricist, playwright, and diplomat. A central figure in the bossa nova movement, he wrote the lyrics for many of its most famous songs, including "Garota de Ipanema" ("The Girl from Ipanema") and "Chega de Saudade." His poetry is known for its lyricism, tenderness, and engagement with love, faith, and everyday life.
Read more: Official site • ThriftBooks
Read more: Official site • ThriftBooks
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