In my opinion...Pablo Neruda's best sonnet

[ebuddhalicious.livejournal.com]

Sonnet 17


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

Comments

[juneflame.livejournal.com]

yes, my favorite from that collection as well.

thanks. its good, seeing it again.

[ebuddhalicious.livejournal.com]

you're welcome :)

[minervacat.livejournal.com]

my favorite as well. thanks.

[ebuddhalicious.livejournal.com]

you're welcome...you two have terrific taste. i can't wait to see the poems you post

[clars.livejournal.com]

I love you as certain dark things are to be loved,
in secret, between the shadow and the soul.

i like that line a lot. me thinks i can relate.

[behindtheclouds.livejournal.com]

I love you as the plant that never blooms
but carries in itself the light of hidden flowers;

Mmm, this is a personal favorite. It was nice to bump into it again. thanks :)