These days, one must fly-but where to?

The poem explores the theme of disillusionment and search for meaning in a post-war world. The speaker feels disconnected from society and struggles to find their place within it. They express a sense of restlessness, feeling the need to move or escape but are unsure where to go or what to do. The tone is melancholic and introspective, with the speaker questioning the purpose of life and their role in it.

By Pablo Neruda · First published 1954 · Genre: Poetry, Philosophical, Surrealism · 113 words

First lines

These days, one must fly-but where to? without wings, without an airplane, fly-without a doubt: the footsteps have passed on, to no avail; they didn't move the feet of the traveler along.

At every instant, one must fly-like eagles, like houseflies, like days: must conquer the rings of Saturn and build new carillons there.

Shoes and pathways are no longer enough, the earth is no use anymore to the wanderer: the roots have already crossed through the night, and you will appear on another planet, stubbornly transient, transformed in the end into poppies.

What this Textopian page supports

These days, one must fly-but where to? 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, Philosophical, Surrealism, Travel Literature, Contemporary Literature
• Length: 113 words
• Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
• Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

Good citation fit

• Work identity for These days, one must fly-but where to? by Pablo Neruda
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• Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
• Readability and classroom-planning context
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Genres

• Poetry — The work employs lyrical language, imagery, and metaphor typical of poetry, focusing on themes of travel and transformation.
• Philosophical — The text explores existential themes and the nature of movement and existence, prompting reflection on life's journey.
• Surrealism — The imagery and concepts presented evoke a surreal quality, blending reality with imaginative elements.
• Travel Literature — The theme of travel is central, discussing the idea of flying and exploration beyond physical limitations.

Tags

Poetry · Latin American Literature · Chilean Poetry · 20th Century Poetry · Modernist Poetry · Free Verse · Lyrical Poetry · Political Poetry · Social Commentary · Existential Crisis · Disillusionment · Longing

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