Youth by Pablo Neruda (1958)
The poem explores the theme of nostalgia and longing for a lost youth. It describes the speaker's memories of their childhood and adolescence, focusing on the beauty and simplicity of that time. The poem also touches on the idea that this period of life cannot be recaptured, and that adulthood brings complexity and disillusionment.
By Pablo Neruda · First published 1958 · Genre: Poetry, Coming-of-Age, Romanticism · 73 words
First lines
A perfume like an acid plum sword on a road, sugary kisses on the teeth, vital drops trickling down the fingers, sweet erotic pulp, threshing floors, haystacks, inciting secret hideaways in spacious houses, mattresses asleep in the past, the pungent green valley seen from above, from the hidden window: all adolescence becoming wet and burning like a lantern tipped in the rain.
What this Textopian page supports
Youth is listed on Textopian as a poem by Pablo Neruda, dated 1958 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: 1958 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Coming-of-Age, Romanticism, Imagism, Symbolism
- Length: 73 words
- Structure: 1 section, 1 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Confusing
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Youth by Pablo Neruda
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- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Discussion starters
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Similar titles
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is characterized by its lyrical and expressive language, typical of Neruda's poetic style.
- Coming-of-Age — The themes revolve around adolescence, exploration of identity, and the transition from youth to adulthood.
- Romanticism — The vivid imagery and emotional depth reflect romantic ideals, focusing on personal experiences and emotions.
- Imagism — The use of precise imagery and sensory details aligns with the principles of Imagism.
Tags
Coming-of-age · Poetry · Autobiographical · Chilean Literature · Latin American Literature · Memoir · Nostalgia · Childhood · Adolescence · Self-discovery · Identity · Family
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