Typical Neruda greatness. Poems about "opposites" (mostly)--eg fall and spring, fire and rain, etc--nicely juxtaposed. Clever idea that works very well for the most part.

Never get tired of this ... just in the mood.

3 3/4 stars

as with the "odes to common things" this edition of "odes to opposites" is not only beautiful because of what's written but also because of the exquisite way to book if designed. being able to see the neruda's poems in both the original spanish and the translated english lends enchantment not only to the thoughts expressed but also to the words themselves.

I only knew the name Pablo Neruda from the flick Il Postino that was popular in the mid- 90’s. Then I got this book as a gift from a friend and loved it. A clever conceit with pairing poems against each other (Ode to Night, Ode to Day) and there’s just endless great lines you’ll be swiping for various cards and e-mails to other friends (just remember to give proper credit to Mr. Neruda).

P introduced me to neruda when she made me listen to that il postino CD one night after arriving from some uneventful day at the office. it was an emotive acquaintance i remember, quite a different experience. and i guess i didn't want to (and have not) disentangle(d) myself with the poet after that. so imagine my elation when i got this book from R during my 26th birthday. neruda has this great way with words - simple words but everytime you read him you will see new layers of meanings underneath those words. it's just frustrating that i didn't take seriously my basic and advanced spanish classes before, it might have been much more interesting if i would be able to read him in his own language. in this book, "ode to autumn" struck me the most...quiet but not somber, and makes me think of those words like steadfast, hopeful, poignant. sometimes it also makes me think about the people who prepare the ground for change (so to speak). oh well, i miss that book. R, please take care of it until i got back.

simple and meaningful poems... understandable, even in Spanish.

Another beautiful volume to go along with Odes to Common Things. It has the same side-by-side Spanish and English versions, with the lovely, elegant illustrations.

The highest praise I can give to a book of poetry is that its images and harmony stay with you long after your first encounter. The evidence of this effect is that one is drawn back again and again to experience them (to draw another ladle of water from that well and to see if it still tastes the same). The question is not what the poem means , nor how does it make you feel, but rather, how does it mirror the experience of your life and times? Ode to Rain is a piece so full of meaning for me that I feel like I am stepping right into the pages each time I read it.

With illustrations, among the most beautiful books my hands have held.

Fantastic wordsmithing, even when translated.

i found this to be an entirely grueling experience, though i imagine translating poetry from one language to another leaves a considerable amount of room for misinterpretation.