I’m leaving for Pasargada
There, I am the king’s friend
Have the woman I want
In the bed that I choose
I’m leaving for Pasargada
I am leaving because
Here I am not happy
Life there is adventure
And so very inconsequent, that
A queen of Spain, Joan the Mad
Becomes my relative, through
The daughter in law I never had
How I’ll do calisthenics
Cycle riding
Wild donkey taming
Climb greasy poles
Do some sea bathing!
When feeling tired
I’ll lie by the river bank
Send for a Siren
To retell the old tales
Those spun by Rose
When I was a child
I’m leaving for Pasargada
There, you have everything
Another civilization
With a safe-proof system
For the dangers of conception
Automatic phone booths
Alkaloids for the asking
Good looking harlots
With whom to romance
When, during the night
I am feeling sadder
Sad without hope
Wishing to kill myself
— There I am the king’s friend —
Have the woman I want
In the bed that I choose
I’m leaving for Pasargada
Notes
Pasárgada From Libertinagem, 1930
The original Portugese version can be found here
http://oldpoetry.com/opoem/show/117350-Manuel-Bandeira-Vou-me-embora-pra-Pas-rgada
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Comments
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Yeah, I'd agree that Pasargada is his "the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence." Maybe beyond that it is his dreaming state. The things he speaks of doing, are pretty odd, suggesting either fantasy or irony...maybe he knows it's all a sham, that other side, yet, a necessity.
"Sad without hope
Wishing to kill myself"
Sounds like a fellow wishing to hide from himself. -
Pasárgada is his refuge, his imaginary place where he finally found the so wanted serenity. In his own words 'a life that could had been'.
When reading poems like this one, I see why his work is still admired by young students discovering poetry.
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