When in the Widening Circle of Rebirth

Name: When in the Widening Circle of Rebirth
Author: Fernando Pessoa

The work explores themes of rebirth, memory, and the cyclical nature of existence. It reflects on the soul's journey through different lives, contemplating the essence of identity and the continuity of experience. The speaker expresses a longing for connection to the past, grappling with the idea of returning to familiar landscapes and emotions, yet recognizing the inherent sadness in this quest. The imagery evokes a sense of nostalgia, as the speaker ponders whether they will encounter the same places and feelings in future incarnations. There is a tension between the desire for remembrance and the inevitability of forgetting, as the soul navigates through the "widening circle" of life. The work delves into the paradox of seeking familiarity in a world that is constantly changing, questioning the nature of existence and the significance of past experiences. As the speaker reflects on lost faces and forgotten memories, they confront the limitations of human perception and the elusive quality of recollection. The exploration of these themes is marked by a lyrical quality, blending philosophical inquiry with emotional depth. The work ultimately invites contemplation on the interconnectedness of life, the persistence of longing, and the search for meaning in the face of transience.

By Fernando Pessoa · First published 1925 · Genre: Poetry, Philosophical Literature, Lyricism · 152 words

First lines

When in the widening circle of rebirth

To a new flesh my travelled soul shall come, And try again the unremembered earth With the old sadness for the immortal home, Shall I revisit these same differing fields And cull the old new flowers with the same sense, That some small breath of foiled remembrance yields, Of more age than my days in this pretence?

Shall I again regret strange faces lost Of which the present memory is forgot And but in unseen bulks of vagueness tossed Out of the closed sea and black night of Thought?

Were thy face one, what sweetness will't not be, Though by blind feeling, to remember thee!

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When in the Widening Circle of Rebirth is listed on Textopian as a poem by Fernando Pessoa, dated 1925 CE.

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Work type: Poem
Author: Fernando Pessoa
Date: 1925 CE
Language: English
Genres: Poetry, Philosophical Literature, Lyricism, Symbolism, Modernism
Length: 152 words
Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)

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Genres

Poetry — The work is structured in verse and employs poetic devices, focusing on themes of rebirth and memory.
Philosophical Literature — The text explores deep existential themes regarding life, death, and the nature of existence.
Lyricism — The emotional expression and personal reflection characteristic of lyric poetry are prominent throughout the work.
Symbolism — The use of symbols to convey deeper meanings about life and rebirth is evident in the imagery.