Love by Carlos Drummond de Andrade
The poem explores the theme of love as a contradictory and ambiguous feeling that can bring both joy and suffering. It delves into the complexities of romantic relationships, highlighting the tension between the desire for union and the need for individuality. Through lyrical language and imagery, the poet conveys the intensity and passion of love, while also acknowledging its fleeting nature and the inevitability of loss.
By Carlos Drummond de Andrade · First published 1951 · Genre: Poetry, Philosophical, Romance · 204 words
First lines
What can one creature among other creatures do but love? love and forget, love and mislove, love, unlove, love? always, and with wide eyes, love? What, I ask, can a loving soul alone in the universal rotation do but spin with everything else, and love? love what the wave brings to shore, what it buries, and what in the ocean breezes salt, or the need for love, or mere longing? Love solemnly the desert palms, the act of surrender, or expectant adoration. And love what's rough or barren, a flowerless vase, an iron land, the unfeeling breast, the street from a dream, a bird of prey.
What this Textopian page supports
Love is listed on Textopian as a poem by Carlos Drummond de Andrade, dated 1951 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Carlos Drummond de Andrade
- Date: 1951 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Philosophical, Romance, Literary Fiction
- Length: 204 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Love by Carlos Drummond de Andrade
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Similar titles
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- Nakedness by Carlos Drummond De Andrade
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Genres
- Poetry — The text is structured in a poetic form, with a focus on lyrical expression and emotional depth.
- Philosophical — The themes explore existential questions about love, existence, and the human condition.
- Romance — The central theme revolves around love in its various forms and manifestations.
- Literary Fiction — The writing style is sophisticated and the narrative delves into complex emotional and intellectual themes.
Tags
Poetry · Brazilian Literature · Love Poems · Romanticism · Modernist Poetry · Free Verse · Lyrical Poetry · Emotional Depth · Intimacy · Passion · Desire · Longing