for Manuel Arthur Souza Leão Neto

1.
Since in the High Sertao a river dries,
the vegetation on the return, although of claws,
although sabres, stubborn and aggresive,
makes for the bank of that grave bed.
Makes high for that creamy aggresion: but never
occupies the river of sandy bones, of mummied sand.

2
Since in the High Sertao a river dries,
the man soon occupies a drained mummy:
with mouths of man, drinking of the little
the river forgets, for the minimal water;
with mouths of stagnant pools, making to rise
that which sleeps in sheets, in deep rooms;
and with mouths of animal, outfitting
its economical for again from animal logic.
Worm of river, gnawing mummied sand,
the man advances his features, posthumous.