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What, I wonder, is the color of feeling?

From 1912 to 1916, the Portuguese poets Fernando Pessoa and Mario de Sa-Carneiro engaged in regular correspondence, a period marked by their shared experiences of depression. In March 1916, amidst profound personal turmoil, Pessoa wrote a poignant letter to his friend, and with incredible eloquence and clarity described his struggle. 
Pessoa's words resonate deeply with those who have grappled with the relentless grip of depression. His description of a static present, surrounded by a wall of anxiety, echoes the suffocating weight that so often accompanies this mental illness. This heartbreaking imagery vividly captures the isolation and despair that can accompany depressive episodes. Pessoa uses a metaphor of an abandoned child with a broken toy that serves as a stark reminder of the profound sense of emptiness that pervades the mind during these dark moments. 
Despite the anguish depicted in his words, there is a glimmer of understanding and acceptance. He acknowledges the complexities of his own psyche, recognizing that his suffering is not a manifestation of true madness, but rather a response to the turbulent currents of life. 
This project is dedicated to the resilience of the human spirit, even in the face of our darkest hours. 

© 2025 by Athanasia M. Dourou

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