Contrition

I want to bathe in limpid waters
I want to bathe in pure waters
I am the wort of creatures
                    I am feeling sordid

I entrusted my tears to the beasts
I rolled overturned on the pavements
I spread my face with smacks
                    Oh God, rescue me

Voices of childhood, tell the story

Of the good life that never came

As I drop, listening to it in the calm lap
                    of eternity.

Original poem: 'Contrição', by Manuel Bandeira

In: 'Estrela da Manhã', 1936