sonnet of contrition



Vinicius de Moraes (1913-1980) is one of Brazil's most refined poets. The supreme elegance of his verses is not easy to translate. This is an attempt to render the first quatrain of his Sonnet of Contrition (1938).

I love you, Maria, so much
My chest, it does hurt as though sick
No matter the pain they inflict
Your spells all my soul fully touch.

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