Superb Sentences: Olavo Bilac

A series of beautiful phrases, sentences, and excerpts from Brazilian literature leading up to Brazil’s National Day of the Book on October 29.

From the sonnet by Olavo Bilac (1865-1918) “Em uma tarde de outono” (“On an autumn afternoon”):
“Outono. Em frente ao mar. Escancaro as janelas
Sobre o jardim calado, e as águas miro, absorto.
Outono... Rodopiando, as folhas amarelas
Rolam, caem. Viuvez, velhice, desconforto...”

Autumn. By the sea. I throw open the windows
On the silent garden, and I watch the waters, absorbed.
Autumn… Whirling, the yellow leaves
Tumble, fall. Widowhood, old age, discomfort…