Boitempo

Carlos Drummond de Andrade's poem 'Boitempo' paints a vivid picture of rural life, capturing the unique rhythms and cycles of a day on a farm. The poem begins with the evening setting in, described in a way that emphasizes the natural and almost mystical transition from day to night. The shadows come 'nos cascos' (in the hooves), and the mooing of a cow separated from its calf marks the onset of night. This imagery suggests a deep connection between the animals and the passage of time, as if the cattle themselves are the harbingers of nightfall.

The poem continues to explore this connection by describing how the cattle 'anoitece' (nightfall) and how their presence is magnified by the light from the farmhouse window, creating a 'estátua de sal' (statue of salt) and 'escultura da noite' (sculpture of the night). This metaphorical language elevates the mundane act of cattle settling down for the night into something almost sacred and timeless. The horns of the cattle are described as delineating the private sleep of each animal, weaving an 'ilha do sono universal' (island of universal sleep). This imagery suggests a collective experience of rest and renewal, shared by both the animals and the humans who depend on them.

As the poem transitions to morning, the focus shifts to the arrival of light, which comes 'no leite' (in the milk), symbolizing nourishment and the start of a new day. The 'morno esguicho das tetas' (warm squirt from the teats) and the 'pasto azul' (blue pasture) that the cattle reconquer highlight the cyclical nature of life on the farm. The day begins anew, with the cattle once again playing a central role in the unfolding of time. Through this rich tapestry of imagery and metaphor, Drummond de Andrade captures the essence of rural life, where the natural world and the passage of time are deeply intertwined.