Joachim's Absence by Pablo Neruda

Name: Joachim's Absence
Author: Pablo Neruda

The poem explores the theme of absence and longing through the speaker's lamentation of a loved one's departure. The speaker describes the emptiness and desolation left by the absent person, using imagery and metaphor to convey the depth of their emotional pain. The poem also touches on the idea that even in absence, the loved one remains present in the speaker's thoughts and emotions.

By Pablo Neruda · First published 1957 · Genre: Poetry, Existentialism, Surrealism · 167 words

First lines

From now, like a departure noticed from afar, in funeral stations of smoke or solitary seawalls, from now I see him plunging to his death, and behind him I feel the days of time close in.

From now, brusquely, I feel him leave, plunging into the waters, into certain waters, into a certain ocean, and then, as he strikes, drops rise, and I hear a sound, a persistent, deep sound come forth, a huge wave, whipped by his weight, and from somewhere, from somewhere, I feel these waters leaping and splashing, these waters splash upon me, and they have acid lives.

What this Textopian page supports

Joachim's Absence is listed on Textopian as a poem by Pablo Neruda, dated 1957 CE.

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Work type: Poem
Author: Pablo Neruda
Date: 1957 CE
Language: English
Genres: Poetry, Existentialism, Surrealism, Romanticism, Tragedy
Length: 167 words
Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)

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Genres

Poetry — The work is characterized by its lyrical and expressive language, typical of Neruda's poetic style.
Existentialism — Themes of absence, death, and the search for meaning reflect existentialist concerns.
Surrealism — Imagery and dream-like sequences suggest a surrealist influence.
Romanticism — Emotional depth and exploration of human experience align with romantic themes.