Poetry International Poetry International
Poem

Fernando Pessoa

Don’t try to build in the space you suppose

Don’t try to build in the space you suppose
Is future, Lydia, and don’t promise yourself
Tomorrow. Quit hoping and be who you are
            Today. You alone are your life.
Don’t plot your destiny, for you are not future.
Between the cup you empty and the same cup
Refilled, who knows whether your fortune
            Won’t interpose the abyss?

Don’t try to build in the space you suppose

Não queiras, Lídia, edificar no ‘spaço
Que figuras futuro, ou prometer-te
Amanhã. Cumpre-te hoje, não ‘sperando.
            Tu mesma és tua vida.
Não te destines, que não és futura.
Quem sabe se, entre a taça que esvazias,
E ela de novo enchida, não te a sorte
            Interpõe o abismo?
Close

Don’t try to build in the space you suppose

Don’t try to build in the space you suppose
Is future, Lydia, and don’t promise yourself
Tomorrow. Quit hoping and be who you are
            Today. You alone are your life.
Don’t plot your destiny, for you are not future.
Between the cup you empty and the same cup
Refilled, who knows whether your fortune
            Won’t interpose the abyss?

Don’t try to build in the space you suppose

Don’t try to build in the space you suppose
Is future, Lydia, and don’t promise yourself
Tomorrow. Quit hoping and be who you are
            Today. You alone are your life.
Don’t plot your destiny, for you are not future.
Between the cup you empty and the same cup
Refilled, who knows whether your fortune
            Won’t interpose the abyss?
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