Ox by Pablo Neruda (1972)
The poem is a meditation on the speaker's life, exploring themes of love, politics, and identity. It begins with a nostalgic tone, recalling childhood memories and the discovery of poetry. The speaker then shifts to address political and social issues, condemning oppression and celebrating the beauty of the natural world. Throughout the poem, the speaker grapples with their own sense of self, questioning their role in the world and their relationship with others.
By Pablo Neruda · First published 1972 · Genre: Poetry, Surrealism, Nature Writing · 82 words
First lines
Creature of sea foam traveling by night, day, sand.
Animal of autumn walking towards the ancient scent of moss, sweet ox in whose beard flowered rocks of the subsoil, and where the earthquake armed itself with thunder and footsteps, ruminating the darkness, lost between lightning flashes, while sea foam lives, while the day extracts the hours from its tower and the night collapses, over time her dark cold sack, trembling.
What this Textopian page supports
Ox is listed on Textopian as a poem by Pablo Neruda, dated 1972 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: 1972 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Surrealism, Nature Writing, Symbolism, Philosophical
- Length: 82 words
- Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
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Discussion starters
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Similar titles
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is characterized by its lyrical and expressive language, typical of Neruda's poetic style.
- Surrealism — The imagery and themes reflect surrealist elements, blending reality with dream-like visions.
- Nature Writing — The text explores themes of nature and the environment, focusing on elements like sea foam and moss.
- Symbolism — The use of symbols, such as the ox and natural elements, conveys deeper meanings and emotions.
Tags
Poetry · Chilean Literature · Latin American Poetry · Love Poems · Nature Imagery · Rural Life · Simple Language · Free Verse · Imagist Style · Sensuality · Earthiness · Vibrant Imagery
More by Pablo Neruda
- Body of a Woman (1959)
- The Light Wraps You (1954)
- Ah Vastness of Pines (1975)
- The Morning Is Full (1954)
- So That You Will Hear Me (1976)
- I Remember You As You Were (1952)
- Leaning Into The Afternoons Leaning into the afternoons I cast my sad nets towards your oceanic eyes (1954)
- White Bee (1974)
- All works by Pablo Neruda