Blame It On Neruda

By: Maria Victoria A. Grageda-Smith

 

You looked into my soul,
and I looked back.
In this world where many
stare blankly past each other,
you dared peer inside of me.
And I peered in, too.
What are we but wandering
souls searching for another
to reflect us? How many
encounters, till there’s finally
one who stops long enough
to be quiet, allowing ripples
upon the surface of spirit to
settle into smooth perfection
of still waters, until they’re
a mirror unto us?
Loneliness is not finding
those still waters.
In my joy, I serenaded you
with Neruda. But my dead lover’s
words were too much for you:
Moved you with their power.
Scared you with their passion.
Grazed you with their truth.
Made you blink.
Brought the rain to pour
upon the windows
of your soul, creating ripples
once again on the smooth
perfection of your stillness,
till I could no longer see
myself in you.
Neruda shamed you
with your nakedness.
So I am, once again,
alone in mine.
Yet unashamed.
Now back to looking for
the dreamers who are awake.
Sleep tight, my love,
and dream of me,
waking you with
Neruda’s reveille.

Poet’s Notes: It’s love month! So, here’s a little love poem for you, inspired by the passionate poetry of Chilean poet, Pablo Neruda. If you haven’t had the chance to encounter Neruda’s poetry—do check it out! Your mind and heart will be blown away by the raw yet lyrical power of his poems. Like many love poems, my poem above speaks of the angst of the loss of one’s beloved. But unlike most love poems, the loss results not from death or the loved one’s unfaithfulness. It is the decision to let go of the other because one of the partners has realized that the other has not evolved equally in mind and heart. A case of unequal partnership. One has risen to heights of a state of consciousness and being that the other cannot fathom nor reach. A partnership like this eventually results in the each one feeling alone and lonely in the relationship. Thus, one has to let go of the other to allow him to find his own path. Like I always say to my children: “I hope you find someone equally strong and mindful as you. A home can only stand when the footings of its foundation are equal in both height and quality. Otherwise, the home eventually collapses.” This is also one argument against people marrying in their 20s. At this age, most are still developing intellectually and emotionally—and when they reach their 30s, they are hardly the people they were a decade ago. Is it any wonder then that half of those who marry right after high school or college end up divorced? Above poem also speaks of unconditional love—of how we could still love the other even when we need to let him go, because this is what is necessary for a healthy relationship and life for each another. A twist on the old saying, “If you love someone, set him free, and if he returns to you, it was meant to be.” Happy Valentine’s month, everyone! Love much and love well.