A Revival of Sorts

Pablo Neruda originally composed this poem in Spanish, his native language, and I'm sure much is lost in translation, but the last two stanzas are pretty remarkable, even in their English version.  I would try to provide some interpretation, but I think the poem explains itself (aside from the salt-rose, topaz and carnation arrows of fire...I'm a bit lost there).  But for today, of all days, I will savor it.

Love Sonnet XVII 

Pablo Neruda

(Source of Translation Unknown)

I don't love you as if you were the salt-rose, topaz

or arrow of carnations that propagate fire:

I love you as certain dark things are loved,

secretly, between the shadows and the souls.

I love you as the plant that doesn't bloom and carries

hidden within itself the light of those flowers,

and thanks to your love, darkly in my body

lives the dense fragrance that rises from the earth.

I love you without knowing how, or when, or from where.

I love you simply, without problems or pride:

I love you in this way because I don't know any other way of loving

But this, in which there is no I or you,

so intimate that your hand upon my chest is my hand,

so intimate that when I fall asleep it is your eyes that close.