Phantom by Pablo Neruda (1966)

Name: Phantom
Author: Pablo Neruda

The poem explores the theme of love and desire through a series of surreal and dreamlike images. It describes a phantom-like figure that haunts the speaker's mind and heart, evoking feelings of longing and nostalgia. The poem also touches on the idea of absence and presence, as the speaker struggles to reconcile their desire for connection with the elusive nature of the phantom.

By Pablo Neruda · First published 1966 · Genre: Poetry, Modernist, Symbolism · 126 words

First lines

How you rise up from yesteryear, arriving, dazzled, pale student, at whose voice the dilated and fixed months still beg for consolation.

Their eyes struggled like rowers in the dead infinity with hope of sleep and substance of beings emerging from the sea.

From the distance where the smell of the earth is different and the twilight comes weeping in the shape of dark poppies.

At the height of motionless days the insensible diurnal youth was falling asleep in your ray of light as if fixed upon a sword.

What this Textopian page supports

Phantom is listed on Textopian as a poem by Pablo Neruda, dated 1966 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: 1966 CE
Language: English
Genres: Poetry, Modernist, Symbolism, Romanticism, Existentialism
Length: 126 words
Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

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Genres

Poetry — The work is characterized by its lyrical and expressive language, typical of poetry.
Modernist — The themes of existential reflection and fragmented imagery align with modernist literary movements.
Symbolism — The use of symbols such as 'dark poppies' and 'flower of solitude' reflects the symbolic nature of the text.
Romanticism — The emotional depth and focus on nature and solitude resonate with romantic themes.