The happy movement of vehicles and people creates an atmosphere of happy life, as if existing were in itself a source of happiness. Yet, Saba wonders where the pain is in this perfect scenario, suggesting that perhaps the pain is just hidden, ready to resurface when we least expect it.
The poem skillfully plays on contrasts: the brightness of the sun against the shadow of pain, the movement of daily life against the inner immobility of those who suffer. Saba invites us to reflect on how appearances can deceive us, showing us a reality that, despite appearing perfect, can hide profound abysses of suffering.
“Summer Principle” is a meditation on the duality of the human experience, where joy and pain coexist, often invisible to the eyes of others. With her clear and powerful writing, Saba reminds us that behind every smile a tear can hide, and that true happiness is a delicate balance between light and shadow.
Beginning of summer by Umberto Saba
Pain, where are you? I don’t see you here;
every appearance is against you. The sun
it gilds the city, shines in the sea.
All sorts of vehicles on the shore
they carry something or someone around.
Everything moves happily, like
everything was to exist happily.
Poem from: https://libreriamo.it/
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