Poets of all times have arranged rhymes that sound like silver, or crystal, or cannon fire. But with great humility-I made these sonnets out of wood; I gave them the sound of that opaque pure substance and that is how they should reach your ears” Pablo Neruda 1959
Poets of all time fought to rhyme their expression of love with only the strong of elements they seemed to be aware of. This most tempestuous muse of all the arts, love, demanded elements of metaphor as blazing as the volcano fire, or as boundless as the ocean or as howling as the wind. It is too pretentious to settle for anything less strong.
And as fire stands above all, they all chose sonnets of fire arrow, entwining love with the molten tongues of fire, the alchemical dance of ruby and gold, and the crimson pulse of blood and heart. Each syllable, a flame. Each stanza, an inferno.
Yet, in the void that lies between what love is and how it is expressed, there lies another glass reflecting love for what it truly is, lightly but not less slightly. The fourth element: the earth. It is neither fierce as raging waters, nor consuming as wildfire, nor swift as the breath of monsoons. Yet, it is the quiet heartbeat of existence, the hum of ancient stones and the soil that cradles both seed and sorrow.
Poets have long been captivated by the raw power of fire and the untamed beauty of water when seeking to convey the depths of love. However, Pablo Neruda, with his characteristic humility, took a different approach in his poetic compositions. In his own words, he crafted sonnets not from the scorching flames of passion or the tumultuous waves of emotion, but from the humble essence of wood. He sought to infuse his verses with the quiet strength and grounded presence of this opaque yet pure substance. Perhaps this explains his award of Nobel Prize in literature as the first Chilean poet.
While many poets before him reached for the grandeur of fire and water to articulate love’s intensity, Neruda found solace in the simplicity and authenticity of earthly elements. He chose to weave his verses with the warmth of wood, resonating with the steadfast nature of trees and the enduring quality of earth. In doing so, he invited his readers to listen not to the roaring infernos or crashing waves, but to the gentle whispers of nature’s embrace.
By embracing the earth as a medium for his expressions of love, Neruda revealed a profound truth: that love can manifest in myriad forms, not limited to the extremes of fire and water. The earth, with its quiet resilience and nurturing presence, offers a different lens through which to view the complexities of human emotion. It is in the subtle fragrances of wheat grains, the delicate sweetness of white honey, and the golden hues of autumn that love finds its quiet refuge.
In this exploration of elemental contrasts, Neruda invites us to consider the full spectrum of emotions that love encompasses. Just as fire and water symbolize passion and depth, so too does the earth represent stability and growth. By acknowledging the diverse ways in which love can be expressed, we open ourselves to a richer understanding of our own hearts and the world around us. Through the delicate interplay of elements, we find that love’s true essence lies not in grand gestures or dramatic displays, but in the quiet beauty of everyday moments.
By Bitaniya Tadele
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD 25 APRIL 2024
