Thanks, Tom. There are a whole pack of allusions in this, from his poetry and his life, but I also hope it stands if not all are recognized.

Cheers

milner

This is so beautiful, milner.  What an awesome tribute.  Sometimes I wish I'd known you throughout your poetry career, and shared in it, what little is possible.  There's always the books.

So glad you brought this one back.

cheryl

Thanks, Cheryl, so happy to have your company now.

milner

This waited almost three years to come full circle.  Neruda is on my list of must reads when my classes finish in December. Poetry is bubbling beneath the surface once again and this one speaks to me in reverence and prayer. There is so much great imagery in this poem.  Like a fine wine, this poem should be savored.

Sherry

Let it bubble, froth, ferment, Sherry. Thanks for your words on this, it was written in joy, and wistful sorrow.

milner

You left a stillness
full of definite birds;

What an amazing few words!  Stunning.  The whole work, a pleasure.  But the stillness of definite birds -- is genius to my way of thinking.

lynn

Lynn, I think the duende that ever walked in his shadow must have whispered 'definite' to me there. Many, many thanks for picking this.

milner