I thought I was dying, I felt the cold up close

Name: I thought I was dying, I felt the cold up close
Author: Pablo Neruda

The poem explores the speaker's near-death experience and their feelings of coldness and detachment from life. The speaker describes feeling the presence of death closely, suggesting a sense of mortality and finality. The tone is melancholic and introspective, conveying a sense of resignation and acceptance.

By Pablo Neruda · First published 1954 · Genre: Poetry, Romanticism, Existentialism · 126 words

First lines

I thought I was dying, I felt the cold up close and knew that from all my life I left only you behind: my earthly day and night were your mouth, your skin the republic my kisses founded.

In that instant the books stopped, and friendship, treasures restlessly amassed, the transparent house that you and I built: everything dropped away, except your eyes.

Because while life harasses us, love is only a wave taller than the other waves: but oh, when death comes knocking at the gate, there is only your glance against so much emptiness, only your light against extinction, only your love to shut out the shadows.

What this Textopian page supports

I thought I was dying, I felt the cold up close is listed on Textopian as a poem by Pablo Neruda, dated 1954 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Poem
Author: Pablo Neruda
Date: 1954 CE
Language: English
Genres: Poetry, Romanticism, Existentialism, Lyric, Philosophical
Length: 126 words
Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)

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Similar titles

Genres

Poetry — The work is characterized by its lyrical and expressive language, typical of poetry.
Romanticism — Themes of love and deep emotional connection are central, reflecting romantic ideals.
Existentialism — The contemplation of life, death, and the meaning of existence is a key theme.
Lyric — The personal and emotional nature of the text aligns with the lyric genre.