Absolutely, poignantly beautiful. Dedicated to my Eldest Sis, always;
Sonnet XVII
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 waythan this: where I do 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
Funny that I’ve never read Pablo Neruda in English before. He is one of my favorite poets. You should look for a translation of sonet XX. It’s beautiful and sad and perfect
OMG thanks so much for the suggestion Sheila! I stumbled across this sonnet, didn’t think there are others (hopefully they’re translated). Will scour for them :D