Poem for 7/12/22 - Sonnet of Fidelity by Vinincius de Moraes

 

Sonnet of Fidelity
Vinicius de Moraes (translator unknown)

Above all, to my love I'll be attentive
First and always, with care and so much
That even when facing the greatest enchantment
By love be more enchanted my thoughts.

I want to live it through in each vain moment
And in its honor I'll spread my song
And laugh my laughter and cry my tears
When you are sad or when you are content.

And thus, when later comes looking for me
Who knows, the death, anxiety of the living,
Who knows, the loneliness, end of all lovers

I'll be able to say to myself of the love (I had):
Be not immortal, since it is flame
But be infinite while it lasts.

To read the original in Portuguese click here
http://oldpoetry.com/opoem/show/119642-Vin-cius-de-Moraes-Soneto-de-Fidelidade 

Alternate Translation by E.R. Henriques

First and foremost, I will look to my love
With such care, always and so much,
That even in face of the greatest beauty
My thought should be more charmed by my love.

I want to live this love in each vain moment
And in its honor I will spread my song
And smile a smile and shed my tears
In moments of sorrow or contentment.

And, thus, later on, when seeking for me
Perhaps death, the anguish of those who live
Perhaps loneliness, end for those who love

I can tell myself of the love (I’ve had):
It mustn’t be immortal, for it’s a flame
But it must be infinite while it lasts.