I like you in your silence because it is as if you were not there,
and you hear me from afar, and my voice does not touch you.
It is as if eyes have taken you away
and as if a kiss seals your mouth.
As all things are filled with my soul,
you emerge from those things filled with my soul.
Butterfly of dreams, you are like my soul,
and you are like a very sad word.
I like you in your silence and it is as if you were distant.
And it is as if you were complaining, cooing butterfly.
And you hear me from afar, and my voice does not reach you:
let me be quiet in your own silence.
Let me also speak to you with your silence
clear like a lamp, simple as a ring.
You are like the night, quiet and scattered in the heavens.
Your silence is that of a star, so distant and simple.
I like you in your silence because it is as if you were not there.
Distant and hurting, as if you were dead.
Then a word, a smile are enough.
And I am happy, happy it is not so.
~ Pablo Neruda
Poem #15
*Translated by Rob McBride
Note: Language is very diverse and translations are very dynamic. In particular, in this poem, the word “callar” can mean many different things, including: quiet, still and silence. I have chosen “silence” because it fits best with my personal interpretation of the poem, which alludes in part to the special relationship I feel with those who read me. Nevertheless, there are many other excellent translations available.
This is my humble attempt to pay homage the Pablo Neruda’s wonderful words.