Infância

Carlos Drummond de Andrade's poem 'Infância' is a poignant reflection on childhood, capturing the simplicity and innocence of early years through vivid imagery and tender memories. The poem paints a serene picture of a rural setting where the poet's father rides out to the fields, his mother sews quietly, and his younger brother sleeps. The poet, a young boy, finds solace and adventure in reading the story of Robinson Crusoe under the shade of mango trees. This scene is a snapshot of a simpler time, where the daily routines and small moments form the fabric of a child's world.

The poem's imagery is rich and evocative, with the 'white midday light' and the 'voice that learned to lull in the distant slave quarters' calling for coffee. This voice, likely that of a black servant, adds a layer of historical context, subtly referencing Brazil's past with slavery. The coffee, described as 'black as the old black woman,' is a sensory detail that brings warmth and comfort, contrasting with the poet's mother's quiet vigilance over her sleeping child. The mother's deep sigh and the father's distant work in the endless fields evoke a sense of longing and the passage of time.

In the final lines, the poet reveals a profound realization: his own childhood story, filled with these simple yet profound moments, is more beautiful than the adventurous tale of Robinson Crusoe. This comparison underscores the theme of appreciating the beauty in everyday life and the richness of personal history. Drummond de Andrade's 'Infância' is a celebration of the past, a tribute to the innocence of youth, and a reminder of the enduring impact of our earliest memories.