Latest update September 26th, 2026 10:20 AM
Mar 16, 2020 Features / Columnists, Food For Thought
This lovely poem was written by Mario de Andrade (San Paolo 1893-1945)
Poet, novelist, essayist and musicologist. He was one of the founders of Brazilian modernism.
I counted my years
and realized that I have
Less time to live by,
Than I have lived so far.
I feel like a child who won a pack of candies: at first he ate them with pleasure,
But when he realized that there was little left, he began to taste them intensely.
I have no time for endless meetings where the statutes, rules, procedures & internal regulations are discussed,
knowing that nothing will be done.
I no longer have the patience
To stand absurd people who,
despite their chronological age,
have not grown up.
My time is too short:
I want the essence,
my spirit is in a hurry.
I do not have much candy
In the package anymore.
I want to live next to humans,
very realistic people who know
How to laugh at their mistakes,
Who are not inflated by their own triumphs
and who take responsibility for their actions.
In this way, human dignity is defended
and we live in truth and honesty.
It is the essentials that make life useful.
I want to surround myself with people
who know how to touch the hearts of those whom hard strokes of life
have learned to grow, with sweet touches of the soul.
Yes, I’m in a hurry.
I’m in a hurry to live with the intensity that only maturity can give.
I do not intend to waste any of the remaining desserts.
I am sure they will be exquisite,
much more than those eaten so far.
My goal is to reach the end satisfied
and at peace with my loved ones and my conscience.
We have two lives
and the second begins when you realize you only have one.
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Sep 26, 2026
Cricinfo – West Indies’ players are set to endure a pay cut, with Cricket West Indies (CWI) announcing a 25% reduction in retainer fees as part of a wide-ranging series of steps being...Sep 26, 2026
(Kaieteur News) – There are times when professional rivalry becomes a luxury and solidarity becomes a duty. Washington has just provided one. The Trump administration has barred CNN, MS NOW and Politico from the White House, accusing them of publishing what President Donald Trump calls “fake...Sep 20, 2026
By Sir Ronald Sanders (Kaieteur News) – Crime in Latin America and the Caribbean is no longer only a matter for the police. It is weakening societies, draining economies and obstructing development. It is also testing public confidence in courts, governments and democratic institutions. The...Sep 25, 2026
(Kaieteur News) – If President Irfaan Ali and Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo are truly serious about contract renegotiations, they have an ace. It’s Guyana’s China card. China wants something. Exxon (America) wants something. Guyana wants something. I repeat if the Ali-Jagdeo led PPP Govt...Freedom of speech is our core value at Kaieteur News. If the letter/e-mail you sent was not published, and you believe that its contents were not libellous, let us know, please contact us by phone or email.
Feel free to send us your comments and/or criticisms.
Contact: 624-6456; 225-8452; 225-8458; 225-8463; 225-8465; 225-8473 or 225-8491.
Or by Email: glennlall2000@gmail.com / kaieteurnews@yahoo.com