It is morning of the Carnival
Morning to morning is life always
The slow voice of the sea tells us
How long I will stand here and watch the trees
Doesn't matter
Or how long you stay here poised as a goddess
In front of the sun

The four directions spin
Making froth and balloons called clouds
Imperceptibly they sail
Lifting colors from the sea
Stay here a moment more with your salt smell
Seaweed and streamers mix in the troughs
And our lips mingle

Time is a Magician
And I'm not sure any more
That it is morning not twilight

On this morning of the Carnival
You and I created the earth
Blood made its soft pounding in us
And the heart tells the only possible truth
As lit candles from within cathedrals
Throbs of light keep speaking

And because of these flowers free in the wind
I'm blinded overcome with their gestures
Fragrant ceremonies rise unhurriedly
To ornament the dank earth
Curving and spirally in their dance
That will end in a last loveliness too
When morning of the Carnival becomes day

Time is a Magician
And I'm not sure any more
That it is morning not twilight

Click below to hear WJ Ray reading
Manha de Carnival with musical background:
Joao Gilberto, Black Orpheus, Fontana, 1959


or Click here to Download Mp3

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