ao fim do dia: at close of day

Dictionary of Poetic Terms: Portuguese-English

 

By Author Giljonnys Dias da Silva 

 

The phrase “ao fim do dia” is a common expression in Brazilian Portuguese that can be translated into English as "at close of day." This translation holds particular poetic and metaphorical significance, as it evokes the closing moments of daylight, often associated with reflection, completion, or the passage of time. "Ao fim do dia" literally means "at the end of the day" or "at the close of the day," and it carries the essence of the twilight period, a time when the world quiets, and one may look back on what has been accomplished or lived.

 

In the context of poetry, this phrase can symbolize both the literal end of the day and the metaphorical end of a phase in life. "At close of day" is often seen as a time of introspection, serenity, or melancholy, and thus the phrase finds its place in numerous poetic contexts in Brazilian literature and everyday expressions. In poetic language, "ao fim do dia" is not just a moment but an opportunity for reflection, a time when the hustle of the day gives way to stillness, allowing the mind and heart to pause, contemplate, and perhaps find peace.

 

Let’s take a look at some poetic examples that use "ao fim do dia," along with their translations into English:

 

"Às vezes, ao fim do dia, quando o sol se põe lentamente sobre o mar, sinto que a vida é apenas uma pausa entre dois suspiros."

"Sometimes, at close of day, when the sun sets slowly over the sea, I feel that life is just a pause between two sighs."

 

"Ao fim do dia, as estrelas começam a brilhar, lembrando-nos que, mesmo após a escuridão, sempre há luz."

"At close of day, the stars begin to shine, reminding us that, even after darkness, there is always light."

 

"É ao fim do dia que os pensamentos mais profundos vêm à tona, quando a mente encontra descanso após o turbilhão da rotina."

"It is at close of day that the deepest thoughts surface, when the mind finds rest after the whirlwind of the routine."

 

"Ao fim do dia, quando tudo parece ter terminado, vejo que o amor não tem hora para se pôr, ele sempre volta."

"At close of day, when everything seems to have ended, I see that love has no time to set, it always returns."

 

In the examples above, the phrase "ao fim do dia" is woven into moments of personal reflection, universal truths, and emotional depth. It serves as a poetic marker of transition, inviting contemplation and connection with both the external world and inner thoughts. The translation of "ao fim do dia" as "at close of day" captures this essence beautifully, emphasizing the symbolic weight that the end of the day carries in various forms of expression.

 

Other ways of saying "ao fim do dia" in English: at the close of evening, at sundown, as the day draws to a close, at the twilight of day

 

Thus, when using "ao fim do dia" in a poetic sense, the phrase becomes more than just a reference to time; it becomes an opportunity to reflect, to pause, and to embrace the fleeting nature of life. Whether it is the natural beauty of the sunset or the deep inner thoughts that emerge at twilight, "ao fim do dia" remains a powerful phrase in both Brazilian Portuguese and poetic expression.

 

Bibliographic References 

 

Lennard, J. (2005). The Poetry Handbook. Oxford University Press.

 

This book provides an introduction to the study of poetry, covering terms and concepts commonly used in the analysis of poems. It offers clear explanations of poetic devices, meter, rhyme, and forms of poetry.

 

Preminger, A., Brogan, T. V. F., & McCaffery, L. (Eds.). (2012). The Princeton Encyclopedia of Poetry and Poetics. Princeton University Press.

 

A comprehensive reference work that covers a wide range of poetic terms, forms, styles, and the history of poetics. It’s an essential resource for anyone wanting to explore the lexicon of poetry and poetic theory.

 

Biespiel, D. (2012). The Elements of Poetry. Free Press.

 

This book takes a close look at the fundamental elements of poetry, such as rhythm, diction, and metaphor. It’s a great guide for understanding how poets craft language and meaning.

 

Oliver, M. (1994). A Poetry Handbook. Harcourt Brace.

 

In this book, Mary Oliver explores the technical aspects of poetry, such as line breaks, meter, and sound. It’s both an instruction manual and a reflective guide for writers and readers alike.

 

Baldick, C. (2008). The Oxford Dictionary of Literary Terms (3rd ed.). Oxford University Press.

 

A useful resource for quick reference of literary terms, including a large number of entries related to poetic forms, techniques, and styles. This dictionary covers a broad range of literary terminology in accessible language.

 

Perloff, M., & Dworkin, C. (2009). The Sound of Poetry / The Poetry of Sound. University of Chicago Press.

 

A fascinating exploration of how sound and form interact in poetry. It includes discussion of meter, rhyme, and rhythm as well as avant-garde experiments with sound in modern poetry.

 

Fraser, G. S. (1977). Poetic Forms. Harcourt Brace Jovanovich.

 

A classic book on the different poetic forms, from sonnets to free verse. Fraser discusses the technicalities of verse and the various structures poets can use.

 

Gwynn, R. S. (2015). Poetry: A Pocket Anthology (5th ed.). Pearson.

 

This is a widely used anthology that includes a variety of poetic works along with an introduction to poetic terms and devices. It’s an excellent primer for students new to the study of poetry.

 

Ferguson, M., Galpern, M., & Standish, J. (2005). The Norton Anthology of Poetry (Shorter 5th ed.). W.W. Norton & Company.

 

A highly respected anthology that includes works from classical to modern poets. The anthology features explanations of poetic terms and styles, making it an excellent resource for understanding how these terms are applied in real poems.

 

Perloff, M. (Ed.). (2007). The Cambridge Companion to Modernist Poetry. Cambridge University Press.

 

This book discusses the technical innovations in poetry that came with modernism. It includes analysis of sound, form, and the rejection of traditional poetic rules, providing valuable insights into the evolution of poetic devices.