To the Traveler by Pablo Neruda

Name: To the Traveler
Author: Pablo Neruda

The poem explores the theme of love and longing through the voice of a traveler who is away from their beloved. The speaker describes their journey, the landscapes they encounter, and the emotions that arise from being separated from their loved one. The poem conveys a sense of yearning and nostalgia, emphasizing the pain of absence and the human need for connection.

By Pablo Neruda · First published 1959 · Genre: Poetry, Philosophical, Nature Writing · 114 words

First lines

These stones aren't sad.

Within them lives gold, they have the seeds of planets, they have bells in their depths, gloves of iron, marriages of time with the amethysts: on the inside laughing with rubies, nourishing themselves from lightning.

Because of this, traveler, pay attention to the hardships of the road, to mysteries on the walls.

I know this at great cost, that all life is not outward nor all death within, and that the age writes letters with water and stone for no one, so that no one knows, so that no one understands anything.

What this Textopian page supports

To the Traveler is listed on Textopian as a poem by Pablo Neruda, dated 1959 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: 1959 CE
Language: English
Genres: Poetry, Philosophical, Nature Writing, Symbolism, Meditative
Length: 114 words
Structure: 1 section, 4 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.
Philosophical — The themes explore existential questions and the nature of life and death.
Nature Writing — The imagery of stones, gold, and natural elements reflects a deep connection to nature.
Symbolism — The use of symbols like stones and gold conveys deeper meanings and abstract concepts.