Poems on Pablo Neruda by Top Critiquers

We are not naturally afraid of darkness;
we gestate within it, our eyes unclear  
thriving in gelatinous sockets of growth—  
it is birth that dilates pupils to fear.  

Abuse, its steel toe boot cracking the teeth  
of our solar plexus in times of innocence;  
adolescence demands our participation—  
microscopically studies each breath.  
 
Breaking the spine of nonconformity  
fear wills one into a submissive participant;  
dominant peers lord over the weak  
and life is not lived, but tolerated.  
  ...

I do not love you as if you were made of the finest gold
This world has to offer or because your smile can start  
A fire. I love you as the darkness desires light and cold  
Touches crave warmth. There is something your heart  

Always wants; to always be loved in all the right ways  
And places without fear of being broken or delicate.  
I wish to love the deepest parts of you, not for days  
You spent in the summer, but when you felt desolate,  
 
Alone and everyone ignored you when you needed  
Love. That is when I will...

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.’
 
                                  -Pablo Neruda
 
 
Deep in the hollow heart
a flame tries to be born;
it sparks and flickers,
it only thinks of you.
It knows it must be born
for you require its warmth.
It is as a star to those who gaze
at the sky, milky and wide.
It knows its life will be short ...