Pottery Shop by Pablo Neruda (1954)
The poem explores the theme of creativity and artistic expression through the metaphor of a pottery shop. It describes the process of shaping and molding clay into beautiful forms, likening it to the poet's own creative process. The speaker reflects on the importance of preserving traditional crafts and the value of handmade objects in a world dominated by mass production.
By Pablo Neruda · First published 1954 · Genre: Poetry, Imagism, Surrealism · 117 words
First lines
Crude dove, clay piggy bank, on your grieving back a sign, something that barely deciphers you. My people, how-shouldering your sorrows, beaten and subdued-how did you manage to accumulate naked science?
Black prodigy, magic matter raised to the light by blind fingers, minute statue in which the earth's most secret essence unlocks its languages for us,
Pomaire's earthen pitcher in whose kiss earth and skin congregate, infinite forms of clay, vessels' light, shape of a hand that was mine, movement of a shadow that calls me, you're a gathering of hidden dreams, indestructible, ceramic dove!
What this Textopian page supports
Pottery Shop 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, Imagism, Surrealism, Symbolism, Contemporary Literature
- Length: 117 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
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- Work identity for Pottery Shop by Pablo Neruda
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is characterized by its lyrical and expressive language, typical of poetry.
- Imagism — The vivid imagery and focus on concrete objects, such as clay and pottery, align with the principles of Imagism.
- Surrealism — The dream-like quality and exploration of hidden meanings reflect surrealist themes.
- Symbolism — The use of symbols, such as the dove and clay, conveys deeper emotional and philosophical meanings.
Tags
Poetry · Love · Nature · Imagery · Sensuality · Intimacy · Passion · Desire · Beauty · Art · Craftsmanship · Creativity
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