I do not love you as if you were salt-rose, or topaz,
or the arrow of carnations the fire shoots off.
I love you as certain dark things are to be loved,
in secret, between the shadow and the soul.
I love you as the plant that never blooms
but carries in itself the light of hidden flowers;
thanks to your love a certain solid fragrance,
risen from the earth, lives darkly in my body.
I love you without knowing how, or when, or from where.
I love you straightforwardly, without complexities or pride;
so I love you because I know no other way
than this: where I does not exist, nor you,
so close that your hand on my chest is my hand,
so close that your eyes close as I fall asleep
((It snowed today. The world is clean.))
4 comments
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December 16, 2008 at 4:05 pm
Katia Shtefan
I really like this poem, but this translation is not that great. I recommend that you check out the version published in “The Essential Neruda.” Also, if you really like Neruda, check out Red Poppy at http://www.redpoppy.net. It’s a non-profit set up to create a documentary about Neruda, publish his biography, and translate his works into English. Mark Eisner, the president of Red Poppy, is the one who edited “The Essential Neruda” and helped to translate some of its poems along with other renowned translators.
January 4, 2009 at 6:50 pm
Morgan
Thank you so much! This was very helpful. This sort of networking is exactly why I love blogging!
March 20, 2009 at 4:39 pm
Katie
Pablo is my favorite. how are you morgan? How do I follow your blog? It is getting very eclectic and exciting. -Katie
March 20, 2009 at 5:07 pm
Morgan
He’s lovely, isn’t he? ^-^ You could follow it the old-fashioned way– bookmark it, and then check back every so often? I’m always saying this, but I’m going to try and post more often. Thank you for your feedback! ~Morgan