Mandingueira

In the spirit of Valentine’s Day, I thought just for fun I’d rework one of the most well-known love poems in English literature, for what is sadly the only love in my life right now!  Happy Valentine’s Day everyone!

How do I love thee?  Let me count the ways.
I love thee to the depth and breadth and height
My soul can reach, when dancing in the fight
Of beauty, violence, music, guile, and grace.
I love thee to the level of vadiação’s
Most poignant note, by toque and ardent voice.
I love thee freely, as old malandros rejoice;
I love thee purely, as ere they had cordãos. 
I love thee with a passion put to use
In one last roda, with thirst for axé whet.
I love thee with a love I seemed to lose
With my lost faith, — I love thee with the sweat,
Smiles, tears, of all my life! — and, if life choose,
I shall but love thee better after yet.

Original poem here.

Picture source:
http://www.capoeiragem.com/assets
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