Portuguese biolets

Portuguese biolets

The Brazilian writer, Filinto de Almeida, published a book of poetry called Lyrica in Rio de Janeiro in March 1887. In the book, he introduced a new verse form which he called a biolet. It is only six lines, but was clearly conceived of as a variation of the triolet form. His work with this poetic experiment is impressive and deserves being made more widely known, something, it is to be hoped, that this translation of the following two poems will do in a small way.

1.
Yes, in the full bloom of your age
You came, and you were full of charms.
My glitter gilded shining moth,
The light of youth, when youth was mine,
You came, and you were full of charms,
Yes, in the full bloom of your age.

27 June 2016, translated by Hikaru Kitabayashi



Ao pleno florir da edade
Chegaste, de encantos plena.
Minha doirada phalena,
Luz da minha mocidade,
Chegaste, de encantos plena,
Ao pleno florir da edade.

1883, by Filinto de Almeida


2.
Yes, planted on your way were found
Such ever lovely roses there ...
The fairest you are of the fair,.
The most beloved of all around.
Such ever lovely roses there,
Yes, planted on your way were found.

27 June 2016, translated by Hikaru Kitabayashi

Almeida, Filinto de
No teu caminho plantadas
Que sempre vicegem rosas...
Formosa entre as mais formosas.
Amada entre as mais amadas,
Que sempre vicegem rosas
No teu caminho plantadas!
 
1883, by Filinto de Almeida