Where Tagus’ waters meet the sea’s embrace,
Onde o passado murmura em cada esquina,
In Iberia’s arms, a timeless place,
Nas ruas, ecos de uma era ainda divina.
Not a titan, yet more than a town,
Não arcaica, mas repleta de histórias,
Her streets whisper legends, wearing history’s crown,
Sob o sol temperado, esconde suas memórias.
Her origins, veiled in the mist of time,
Em cada pedra, um segredo antigo,
With roots deep in legend, in a climate sublime,
No coração, o calor de um antigo abrigo.
A balance of past and present in her rule,
Democracia ecoa em praças e ruas,
Where the old mingle with the young, a diverse school,
Onde a voz do povo ainda atua.
An aging ballet, walking her streets,
Nas calçadas, passos lentos revelam,
Elders’ tales, like cobblestones, history greets,
Histórias que os velhos olhos espelham.
Her face, a canvas of hills, light, and color,
Castelos e tranvias, um quadro em movimento,
The beauty of resilience, in her spirit, no dolor,
Na resistência, um silencioso contentamento.
In whispers, her tensions lie,
Em cada sussurro, a história de uma nação,
Not in open conflict, but a quiet sigh,
Não em conflito, mas em pacífica oração.
A city of love, of welcoming light,
Nas suas ruas, o amor sempre prevalece,
In her embrace, day melds into night,
Onde o antigo e o novo em harmonia tecem.
So stands this gem, where stories are spun,
Sob o sol Iberia, a vida renasce,
A city of history, love, under the sun,
Onde o passado e o presente se abraçam, num eterno enlace.
Notes:
this bilingual poem is inspired by the vibrant energy and cultural tapestry of Lisbon, and the song “Solta o Frango” by Bonde Do Role. This energetic and eclectic tune captures the essence of my diverse experiences in Portugal.
Having spent a significant portion of my adolescence in Portugal, I have developed a profound connection with its culture, language, and people. I am a fluent Portuguese speaker, hold Portuguese residency, and frequently return to share this magnificent country with my students and family. The poem I present to you is not only a reflection of my experiences, but also an ode to a city that has deeply influenced my life.
Lisbon, with its complex history marked by events like the Carnation Revolution and the catastrophic earthquake of 1755, stands as a testament to resilience and the enduring spirit of its people. These historical milestones are more than just events; they are woven into the very fabric of Lisbon, shaping its identity and character.
My poem seeks to capture the unique essence of Lisbon, a city that is incredibly special to me. It delves into the concept of “saudades,” a profound and almost melancholic longing for something or someone. My saudades for Lisbon is a reflection of deep emotional connections, the nostalgia for its streets, sounds, and the warmth of its people.
The aging populace of Lisbon holds a special place in my heart. The Portuguese, known for their reserved nature, exude a warmth and tenderness that is deeply moving once they let you into their hearts. This dichotomy of private resilience and public warmth is a recurring theme in my experiences and interactions within Lisbon.
Lisbon at night is a magical experience. The city transforms, revealing a different facet of its personality. It’s a time when the historical and the contemporary blend seamlessly, creating an atmosphere that is both enchanting and introspective.
It is for these reasons, and many more, that Lisbon holds such a special place in my heart. My poem is an expression of love and admiration for a city that has given me so much.
Hayden Coombs is an assistant professor of sports management at Southern Utah University. Originally from the damp, green forests of Oregon, Dr. Coombs has also lived in the ancient country of Portugal, the frozen mountains of southeast Idaho, and the dry deserts of Southern Utah. He finds inspiration for his works in the daily struggles of the human experience. Dr. Coombs holds a Ph.D. in Education, an M.A. in Professional Communication, and a B.S. in Communication Journalism and English Creative Writing. Aside from his scholarly publications, Dr. Coombs is also a published poet in both of the English and Portuguese languages.