But I love your feet
only because they walked
upon the earth and upon
the wind and upon the waters,
until they found me.
― Pablo Neruda
Welcome to this heartfelt tribute in memory of the revered poet and Nobel laureate, Pablo Neruda. Today, we take a moment to remember his enduring legacy through his unforgettable Sonnet XVII – a poetic masterpiece that continues to capture hearts and stir emotions decades after it was written. Join us as we delve into the depths of this timeless work, exploring its beauty, depth, and significance in literature and life alike. Let’s pay homage to one of the greatest poets who ever lived by revisiting his exquisite words with fresh eyes, open hearts, and profound appreciation for all they represent.
Pablo Neruda, the Chilean poet and diplomat, was one of the most celebrated and influential literary figures of the 20th century. He wrote dozens of books of poetry, essays, and memoirs, and won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1971 “for a poetry that with the action of an elemental force brings alive a continent’s destiny and dreams.” Neruda’s poetry was admired for its lyrical beauty, political engagement, and sensual intensity, and it inspired generations of readers and writers around the world.
One of Neruda’s most famous and beloved poems is Sonnet XVII, which is often cited as an example of his erotic and romantic style. The poem, which was published in his collection “100 Love Sonnets” (Cien sonetos de amor) in 1959, is a tribute to a mysterious and beloved “dark lady” who embodies all the beauty and complexity of the poet’s passion. Here is an English translation of the sonnet, by Stephen Tapscott:
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 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 eyes close as I fall asleep.
Sonnet XVII has been admired for its use of metaphors and imagery, its emotional intensity and sincerity, and its universal appeal. Many readers have identified with the speaker’s passionate devotion and longing for a lover who is both elusive and essential. Others have praised the sonnet for its celebration of the beauty of nature, the power of love, and the mystery of existence.
In this memoriam for Pablo Neruda and his poetry, we can reflect on the enduring legacy of his work, and how it continues to inspire and move us. We can also appreciate the significance of Sonnet XVII, and how it captures some of the essence of Neruda’s art and life. We can explore the themes of love, desire, beauty, and mortality that resonate in the poem, and how they relate to our own experiences and aspirations. We can pay homage to Neruda as a master of language, imagination, and empathy, who sought to create a poetry that would embrace and transform the world.
Finally, we can celebrate the power of literature to transcend time and space, and to connect us with the souls and spirits of those who have left us. As Neruda wrote in another poem, “If You Forget Me”:
I want you to know
one thing.
You know how this is:
if I look
at the crystal moon, at the red branch
of the slow autumn at my window,
if I touch
near the fire
the impalpable ash
or the wrinkled body of the log,
everything carries me to you,
as if everything that exists,
aromas, light, metals,
were little boats
that sail
toward those isles of yours that wait for me.
May Pablo Neruda and his Sonnet XVII continue to sail toward us, and remind us of the beauty and fragility of life, and the power of love to sustain us.
A previous version of this story was published on January 22nd,2015.
It has been re-written and updated to include additional copy and proofreading revisions, corrections to any irrelevant or broken links, and additional research.
Poetry of gems 
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