Considered a notable figure in modern Brazilian literature,[4] he had as teachers Manuel Bandeira and Carlos Drummond de Andrade, whose works he would hear recited on CD by his father.

[4] The death of his girlfriend, fellow poet Ana Cristina César, greatly influenced his life.

He was also a researcher at the National Library of Brazil Foundation, and assessor in the president of Funarte's cabinet, where he retired.

In 2003, Freitas published Máquina de escrever — poesia reunida e revista (1963–2003), where he celebrates 40 years of his poetry career.

In 1979, he published Poesia vírgula viva, as part of Anos 70 - Literatura, which makes a panorama of Brazilian poetry since the 1950s.