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Friday, September 01, 2006

Where I does not exist, nor you



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.


~ Pablo Neruda ~
100 Love Sonnets (Sonnet XVII)


Probably my favourite poem of all time. If it sounds familiar, you may be recalling it as the poem Robin Williams' character reads to his wife in the movie "Patch Adams".

7 comments:

Zibi said...

Brilliant !!!!

Steve said...

I love Pablo's poetry...and this sonnet in particular! And I can really identify with this, my friend. Even more so than before.

Anonymous said...

Oh I adore Pablo. That's something you didnt know about me! He is my very favorite poet and this one is my very favorite. Beautiful!

Sunny Delight said...

It is beautiful. know no other way..so true...

Dayli said...

Beautiful. (sniff)

Fiona said...

It's amazing how many people know his words...and are compelled by them.

And guys, it warms my heart to see how they have found their way to you.

Nish said...

Spectacular! I *love* this poem. :)

 

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