In a passage attributed to Pablo Neruda, translated by Namik Dokle, the speaker describes a profound shift in perception when the beloved’s face is not visible. Instead, the speaker finds themselves drawn to the imagery of your legs. These legs are recalled through various memories—moments captured in remembered steps, appearing both delicate and powerful.
The poem suggests that these legs are vessels that carry not only the physical weight but also an intangible quality described as sweetness. The description moves across the entirety of the figure, noting the forehead and chest, the blush across the thighs, the depth of the eyes, and the mouth likened to ripe fruit, all framed by the color of the hair. The speaker notes the captivating nature of these features, particularly the depth of the eyes and the fullness of the mouth.
The central focus, however, remains the enduring nature of the legs. The poet emphasizes that the speaker only loves these legs because of their continuous movement. They are depicted as traversing impossible terrains—walking on the wind and upon the water.
The act of seeing these legs is intrinsically linked to the journey itself. The narrative builds toward a singular destination: the point where the endless walking finally leads them to the speaker. The poem thus functions as a meditation on presence, marking the journey of the beloved’s physical self as the ultimate pathway back to the speaker’s recognition.
Topics: #your #legs #see
