Your Laughter by Pablo Neruda (1934)

Name: Your Laughter
Author: Pablo Neruda

The poem explores the theme of joy and celebration through the speaker's laughter, which is described as a liberating force that breaks free from societal constraints. The speaker's laughter is compared to natural phenomena like rivers, storms, and earthquakes, emphasizing its uncontrollable and primal nature. Through this metaphor, the poem conveys the idea that true freedom and happiness can only be achieved by embracing one's authentic self, unapologetically and without fear of judgment.

By Pablo Neruda · First published 1934 · Genre: Poetry, Romanticism, Lyricism · 254 words

First lines

Take bread away from me, if you wish, take air away, but do not take from me your laughter.

Do not take away the rose, the lanceflower that you pluck, the water that suddenly bursts forth in your joy, the sudden wave of silver born in you.

My struggle is harsh and I come back with eyes tired at times from having seen the unchanging earth, but when your laughter enters it rises to the sky seeking me and it opens for me all the doors of life.

My love, in the darkest hour your laughter opens, and if suddenly you see my blood staining the stones of the street, laugh, because your laughter will be for my hands like a fresh sword.

What this Textopian page supports

Your Laughter is listed on Textopian as a poem by Pablo Neruda, dated 1934 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: 1934 CE
Language: English
Genres: Poetry, Romanticism, Lyricism, Existentialism, Symbolism
Length: 254 words
Structure: 1 section, 7 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

Good citation fit

Work identity for Your Laughter by Pablo Neruda
Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
Readability and classroom-planning context
Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph

Discussion starters

What should a reader notice first when entering Your Laughter?
How does this poem by Pablo Neruda fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?

Similar titles

Genres

Poetry — The work is a lyrical expression of emotions, focusing on love and the significance of laughter.
Romanticism — Themes of love, nature, and personal emotion are central, characteristic of Romantic literature.
Lyricism — The writing style is personal and expressive, emphasizing the speaker's feelings and experiences.
Existentialism — The text reflects on the meaning of life and the importance of joy amidst struggle.