Parral

Tomorrow I have to make a trip to Parral, birthplace of Pablo Neruda, Chile's most famous poet. I can't say I'm a big fan but mainly because I haven't read any of his stuff. I have visited 2 of his houses which are now museums. Anyway, he was known as the Picasso of poetry and, apparently, he always used to write in green ink!

LOVE

Because of you, in gardens of blossoming flowers I ache from the
perfumes of spring.

I have forgotten your face, I no longer remember your hands;
how did your lips feel on mine?

Because of you, I love the white statues drowsing in the parks,
the white statues that have neither voice nor sight.

I have forgotten your voice, your happy voice; I have forgotten
your eyes.

Like a flower to its perfume, I am bound to my vague memory of
you. I live with pain that is like a wound; if you touch me, you will
do me irreparable harm.

Your caresses enfold me, like climbing vines on melancholy walls.
I have forgotten your love, yet I seem to glimpse you in every
window.

Because of you, the heady perfumes of summer pain me; because
of you, I again seek out the signs that precipitate desires: shooting
stars, falling objects.