What Is Born with Me by Pablo Neruda
The poem explores the idea that certain aspects of one's identity are innate and unchangeable, while others can be shaped by experience and environment. The speaker describes their own sense of self as being formed by a combination of natural and nurtured elements, suggesting that their true nature is something they were born with, rather than something acquired through life experiences.
By Pablo Neruda · First published 1956 · Genre: Poetry, Nature Writing, Existentialism · 294 words
First lines
I sing to the grass that is born with me in this free moment, to the fermentations of cheese, of vinegar, to the secret spurt of the first semen, I sing to the song of milk which now comes in rising whiteness to the nipples,
I sing to the fertility of the stable, to the fresh dung of great cows from whose aroma fly multitudes of blue wings, I speak without any shift of what is happening now to the bumblebee with its honey, to the lichen in its soundless germination.
What this Textopian page supports
What Is Born with Me is listed on Textopian as a poem by Pablo Neruda, dated 1956 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: 1956 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Nature Writing, Existentialism, Philosophical Literature, Symbolism
- Length: 294 words
- Structure: 1 section, 9 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in a lyrical style, employing rhythm and imagery characteristic of poetry.
- Nature Writing — The text explores themes of growth, fertility, and the interconnectedness of life in nature.
- Existentialism — The exploration of existence, being, and the relationship with the surrounding world reflects existential themes.
- Philosophical Literature — The work contemplates the nature of life and existence, engaging with philosophical ideas.
Tags
Poetry · Chilean Literature · Latin American Poetry · Autobiographical · Introspective · Philosophical · Contemplative · Personal Growth · Self-Discovery · Identity · Existential Crisis · Human Condition
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