I was going through a collection of old writings when I suddenly came across a very special poem. To my great surprise and joy, it was the exact poem that I had read to Allie at our wedding.

That moment at the wedding was so precious. Standing there in front of Allie and all our loved ones, reading those words that expressed my deepest feelings for her, it was a memory that would forever be etched in my heart.

As I held the poem in my hands now, it brought back all those emotions. It was like a time capsule, transporting me back to that beautiful day. I could see Allie's smile, the way her eyes shone with love and happiness.

This discovery made me realize how important it is to hold onto these precious memories. The poem is not just a piece of writing; it is a symbol of our love and commitment. I will cherish it always and keep it safe as a reminder of the wonderful journey we have shared and will continue to share together.

I truly love Neruda. His poetry is profound and beautiful. However, it is important to note that his poems may not be the most suitable choice for wedding ceremonies.

Unless, of course, the groom happens to be a philandering, possessive romantic, which is not something that should be emphasized or revealed during the wedding.

While we are on the topic of spreading awareness about Neruda, it is also crucial to mention that black and white are both inappropriate dress colors for guests. This includes the mothers of the bride or groom as well.

There are many other colors and styles that would be more fitting and appropriate for a wedding celebration, allowing everyone to look their best and contribute to the overall joyous and festive atmosphere.

By being mindful of these details, we can ensure that the wedding ceremony and reception are a memorable and wonderful occasion for all involved.

Oh, secret love, my wise beloved.

This simple phrase holds a world of emotions and mysteries. Secret love is often a silent longing, a hidden passion that burns within the heart. It is a love that is known only to oneself, a precious and intimate feeling that is kept hidden from the prying eyes of the world.

The term "wise beloved" adds an element of depth and respect. It implies that the beloved is not only someone who is loved but also someone who is admired for their wisdom and understanding. This could suggest that the relationship is based on more than just physical attraction, but also on a deeper connection of the minds and souls.

Overall, this phrase evokes a sense of longing, mystery, and respect. It makes us wonder about the nature of this secret love and the identity of the wise beloved. It also reminds us that love can take many forms and that sometimes, the most precious loves are the ones that are hidden away.

Undoubtedly, some of the finest love poems ever written are those by Pablo Neruda. And in my opinion, this particular poem might just be his masterpiece. The poem begins with the speaker's desire to make the beloved know one thing. It describes how everything in nature, like the crystal moon, the red branch of the slow autumn at the window, and even the impalpable ash or the wrinkled body of the log near the fire, all carry the speaker to the beloved. It's as if all the aromas, light, and metals are little boats sailing towards the beloved's isles that wait. Then, the poem takes a turn and the speaker says that if the beloved stops loving little by little, the speaker will do the same. If the beloved forgets suddenly, the speaker will also forget. However, if each day and each hour, the beloved feels destined for the speaker with implacable sweetness, and if a flower climbs up to the beloved's lips to seek the speaker every day, then the speaker's love will be rekindled and will never be extinguished or forgotten. The speaker's love feeds on the beloved's love and will remain in the beloved's arms as long as the beloved lives.

I've perused many beautiful literary works penned by Pablo Neruda. However, I must admit that I can't claim to have relished this particular piece and the manner in which he intertwined everything with Nature and the surrounding elements. It's not that I have an aversion to that style of poetry. It's just that the way he assembled the various elements didn't quite resonate with me.

Nevertheless, there is one poem that truly captured my heart:

El Monte Y El Río

In my homeland, there is a mountain.
In my homeland, there is a river.

Come with me.

At night, the darkness ascends the mountain.
Hunger descends to the river.

Come with me.

Who are those who suffer?
I don't know, but they are mine.

Come with me.

I don't know, but they call me
and tell me, "We suffer."

Come with me.

And they say to me: "Your people,
your unfortunate people,
between the mountain and the river,

with hunger and pain,
do not want to fight alone,
they are waiting for you, friend."

Oh you, the one I love,
small, red grain
of wheat,
the struggle will be hard,
life will be hard,
but you will come with me.

This poem seems to touch on deeper themes of suffering, unity, and the call to action. It makes me reflect on the plight of those in need and the importance of standing by them. Neruda's use of simple yet powerful language creates a vivid image in my mind and evokes strong emotions.

Surely, there are some things that are out of my style.

I might encounter various situations where I feel that certain aspects don't quite match my personal preferences or the way I do things. It could be in the choice of clothing, the way I decorate my living space, or even in the activities I engage in.

However, this doesn't mean that I can't appreciate or understand these things. It's just that they don't resonate with me on a deeper level.

I believe that everyone has their own unique style and that's what makes us all different and interesting. While I may have my own set of likes and dislikes, I'm also open to new experiences and trying out different things to see if they might grow on me.

After all, life is about exploration and discovery, and sometimes stepping out of our comfort zones can lead to wonderful surprises.

The poems of Catullus, or what is also known as the Lesbia poems, are a collection in which Catullus expressed his wide range of emotions and his passionate love for his wife, Metella Aurelia.

These poems are completely peaceful, like the tranquility of the night.

They offer a glimpse into the inner world of the poet, his joys, sorrows, and desires.

Catullus' writing style is characterized by its simplicity and directness, yet it manages to convey deep and complex emotions.

His poems have been widely read and studied throughout history, and they continue to inspire and touch the hearts of readers today.

Whether it is his descriptions of love, nature, or the human condition, Catullus' words have a timeless quality that makes them relevant and engaging.

Overall, the poems of Catullus are a remarkable literary achievement that offer a unique perspective on the life and times of one of the greatest poets of ancient Rome.

Negging is a concept that has gained some attention in certain social circles. It refers to the act of making a seemingly negative or backhanded comment in an attempt to gain someone's attention or make them more interested in you.

However, the effectiveness of negging is highly debated. Some people believe that it can create a sense of mystery and challenge, making the person being negged more likely to pursue a relationship or interaction. They argue that by not immediately showering someone with praise and attention, you can make them work harder to win you over.

On the other hand, many others view negging as a manipulative and disrespectful behavior. Negative comments can often hurt the other person's feelings and create a negative impression. It may also lead to a power imbalance in the relationship, with one person constantly trying to one-up the other.

In conclusion, while negging may seem like a clever strategy to some, it is important to consider the potential consequences before using it. Building healthy and respectful relationships is based on mutual understanding, communication, and genuine interest, rather than on trying to manipulate the other person's emotions.

Neruda was truly an astonishing poet. His collection of poems, The Captain's Verses, is among the most remarkable and captivating ones. When delving into his works, one is filled with a myriad of emotions. The limpid and beautiful lyricism in his poems makes one want to both cry and dance, and even scream out loud. It's as if his words have the power to touch the deepest recesses of our souls. These poems are not meant to be read just once; they deserve to be perused again and again and again throughout our lives. They serve as a constant reminder of the true essence of beauty and the intensity of desire. Neruda's poetry is like a precious gem that shines brighter with each reading, leaving an indelible mark on our hearts and minds.

There are interesting parts, but also a lot of boredom.

Love poetry that is not afraid of obsessive repetition, in its continuous and broad association of parts of the body (of the beloved and the poet) with the earth, water, nests, shadows, roots, the sky...

And repetitions, repetitions, repetitions.

I wake up for a moment with the second part, El deseo, which unfortunately lasts only as long as three animals: tiger, condor, and insect.

Finally, the cosmic bond of kisses and breasts is also united with the political struggle, and thus:

«My love, to my life
you came prepared
like a poppy and like a guerrilla».

This poem seems to oscillate between the beauty of love and the weariness of repetition. The constant connection of the body with nature gives a certain grandeur, yet the overuse of repetition makes it a bit tiresome. The brevity of the second part is a bit disappointing, as it could have explored more deeply the themes it introduced. Overall, it's a complex piece that leaves the reader with a mix of emotions and thoughts.

The second book of Pablo Neruda that I read: after an anthology of mixed poems, this time a complete collection. "The Verses of the Captain" was initially published anonymously, but soon it was discovered that the mysterious Captain who was the author of the collection was the famous Chilean poet.

"The Verses of the Captain" made many people frown, because the political themes to which Neruda had accustomed readers are hidden by the overwhelming love for Matilde Urrutia, which distinguishes the entire collection.

It is a love that is both spiritual and carnal, a carnality without malice, which leads the strongest feeling of human beings back to nature and its fertile and teeming elements of life: water, earth, vegetation.

Despite the apparent detachment from politics, in fact, throughout the collection, albeit in the background, there is an imminent departure for a war that smells of revolution, as demonstrated by "The Letter Along the Road", the concluding poem with which the lyrical I takes leave of the beloved.

It is a very beautiful reading that I recommend without any doubt.

“The Dead Woman”

I cannot accept death

where the blacks are being killed.

When my brothers are going to prison

I will go with them too.

“Not Just Fire”

Oh my life,

this is not just the fire that is burning among us

this is all of life,

it is a simple story,

a simple love

of a woman and a man

like everyone else.

A beautiful poem, a combination of the struggle for the land and the sublime of love, a love that will always remain with the soldier and will be his source of strength for resistance and perseverance.