Past by Pablo Neruda (1958)
The poem explores the theme of nostalgia and longing for a past love. The speaker reflects on memories of a romantic relationship that has ended, recalling moments of intimacy and passion. The tone is melancholic, with the speaker expressing regret and yearning for what could have been. The poem's structure and language are characterized by simplicity, clarity, and musicality, which convey the emotions and ideas effectively.
By Pablo Neruda · First published 1958 · Genre: Poetry, Philosophical, Lyrical · 338 words
First lines
We have to discard the past and, as one builds floor by floor, window by window, and the building rises, so do we keep shedding- first, broken tiles, then proud doors, until, from the past, dust falls as if it would crash against the floor, smoke rises as if it were on fire, and each new day gleams like an empty plate.
There is nothing, there was always nothing.
What this Textopian page supports
Past is listed on Textopian as a poem by Pablo Neruda, dated 1958 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: 1958 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Philosophical, Lyrical, Contemporary, Reflective
- Length: 338 words
- Structure: 1 section, 11 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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Similar titles
- Memory by Pablo Neruda
- Berangers To My Old Coat by Eugene Field
- Lines Written On A Tablet In A School by William Wordsworth
- The Return by Edna St Vincent Millay
- How Innocent Of Me by Edna St Vincent Millay
- From The French by Lord Byron
Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in a poetic style, utilizing imagery and metaphor to explore themes of memory and the passage of time.
- Philosophical — The text delves into existential themes, reflecting on the nature of existence, memory, and the impact of the past on the present.
- Lyrical — The emotional and expressive language used conveys deep feelings about loss and transformation, characteristic of lyrical writing.
- Contemporary — The themes and style reflect modern concerns about identity and the ephemeral nature of life, aligning with contemporary literature.
Tags
Nostalgia · Memory · Love · Longing · Melancholy · Poetry · Latin American Literature · Autobiographical · Reflective · Introspective · Emotional · Personal
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