The Drowned Woman of the Sky by Pablo Neruda
The poem explores the theme of lost love and longing through the metaphor of a drowned woman who has fallen from the sky. The speaker describes the woman's beauty and her descent into the sea, symbolizing the loss of a loved one. The poem also touches on the idea of the impossibility of recovering what is lost, as the speaker tries to grasp the woman's hand but it slips away.
By Pablo Neruda · First published 1952 · Genre: Poetry, Surrealism, Symbolism · 93 words
First lines
Woven butterfly, garment hung from the trees, drowned in sky, derived amid squalls and rains, alone, alone, compact, with clothes and tresses torn to shreds and centers corroded by the air.
Motionless, if you withstand the raucous needle of winter, the river of angry water that harasses you. Celestial shadow, dove branch broken by night among the dead flowers:
I stop and suffer when like a slow and cold-filled sound you spread your red glow beaten by the water.
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The Drowned Woman of the Sky is listed on Textopian as a poem by Pablo Neruda, dated 1952 CE.
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- Work type: Poem
- Author: Pablo Neruda
- Date: 1952 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Surrealism, Symbolism, Nature Writing, Existentialism
- Length: 93 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
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Genres
- Poetry — The work exhibits lyrical language, imagery, and emotional depth characteristic of poetry.
- Surrealism — The vivid and dreamlike imagery suggests a surrealistic approach, blending reality with fantastical elements.
- Symbolism — The use of symbols, such as the 'drowned woman' and 'butterfly', conveys deeper meanings and themes.
- Nature Writing — The text reflects on natural elements and their emotional impact, emphasizing the relationship between humanity and nature.
Tags
Poetry · Latin American Literature · Surrealism · Symbolism · Mythology · Feminine Power · Nature Imagery · Water Symbolism · Death and Mourning · Love and Loss · Memory and Nostalgia · Dreamlike Atmosphere
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