“If You Forget MeI want you to knowone thing.You know how this is:if I lookat the crystal moon, at the red branchof the slow autumn at my window,if I touchnear the firethe impalpable ashor the wrinkled body of the log,everything carries me to you,as if everything that exists,aromas, light, metals,were little boatsthat sailtoward those isles of yours that wait for me.Well, now,if little by little you stop loving meI shall stop loving you little by little.If suddenlyyou forget medo not look for me,for I shall already have forgotten you.If you think it long and mad,the wind of bannersthat passes through my life,and you decideto leave me at the shoreof the heart where I have roots,rememberthat on that day,at that hour,I shall lift my armsand my roots will set offto seek another land.Butif each day,each hour,you feel that you are destined for mewith implacable sweetness,if each day a flowerclimbs up to your lips to seek me,ah my love, ah my own,in me all that fire is repeated,in me nothing is extinguished or forgotten,my love feeds on your love, beloved,and as long as you live it will be in your armswithout leaving mine.”
Quote Analysis:
In this poem by Pablo Neruda, the speaker expresses a deep and intense love for their partner, emphasizing the interconnectedness and reciprocity of their feelings. The speaker describes how everything around them reminds them of their loved one, and how their love is so profound that it consumes and sustains them. The poem conveys a sense of longing, passion, and commitment, as well as the idea that love can endure even in the face of distance or separation. The imagery of nature and elements like fire and wind add to the emotional intensity of the poem, reinforcing the idea of a love that is powerful and enduring. Ultimately, the poem conveys the idea that true love is everlasting and transcends all boundaries.
Modern Relevance of Pablo Neruda's "If You Forget Me"
In this poem, Pablo Neruda beautifully expresses the idea of reciprocity in love and the potential consequences of forgetting or being forgotten. The themes of love, longing, and loss are universal and timeless, resonating with readers even in today's fast-paced world of fleeting connections and relationships. The poem serves as a reminder of the importance of cherishing and nurturing love, and the consequences of neglecting it. It emphasizes the depth of emotions and the impact of love on one's life.
Example of Usage
In this beautiful poem, Pablo Neruda expresses the deep connection between two lovers and how their feelings for each other are intertwined. The poet conveys the idea that love is a two-way street and if one person stops loving the other, the love will diminish gradually. Through vivid imagery and heartfelt words, Neruda captures the essence of love and the emotions that come with it.
Reflection Questions:
This beautiful poem by Pablo Neruda explores the complexities of love and the interconnectedness between two individuals. As you reflect on these verses, consider the following questions:
- What emotions does this poem evoke in you?
- How do you interpret the idea of love being reciprocal in the poem?
- Have you ever experienced a love that feels all-encompassing, like the one described in the poem?
- How do you feel about the notion of letting go if love is no longer returned?
- How does the imagery in the poem enhance its message about love and connection?
- Do you believe in the idea of roots that seek another land when love is no longer reciprocated?
- How does this poem challenge your understanding of love and relationships?
Similar quotes
“I want you to knowone thing. You know how this is: if I look at the crystal moon, at the red branch of the slow autumn at my window, if I touch near the fire the impalpable ash or the wrinkled body of the log, everything carries me to you, as if everything that exists, aromas, light, metals, were little boats that sail toward those isles of yours that wait for me. Well, now, if little by little you stop loving me I shall stop loving you little by little. If suddenly you forget me do not look for me, for I shall already have forgotten you. If you think it long and mad, the wind of banners that passes through my life, and you decide to leave me at the shore of the heart where I have roots, remember that on that day, at that hour, I shall lift my arms and my roots will set off to seek another land. But if each day, each hour, you feel that you are destined for me with implacable sweetness, if each day a flower climbs up to your lips to seek me, ah my love, ah my own, in me all that fire is repeated, in me nothing is extinguished or forgotten, my love feeds on your love, beloved, and as long as you live it will be in your arms without leaving mine.”
“You know how this is:if I lookat the crystal moon, at the red branchof the slow autumn at my window,if I touchnear the firethe impalpable ashor the wrinkled body of the log,everything carries me to you,as if everything that exists,aromas, light, metals,were little boatsthat sailtoward those isles of yours that wait for me.”
“Well, nowIf little by little you stop loving meI shall stop loving youLittle by littleIf suddenly you forget meDo not look for meFor I shall already have forgotten youIf you think it long and mad the wind of banners that passes through my lifeAnd you decide to leave me at the shore of the heart where I have rootsRememberThat on that day, at that hour, I shall lift my armsAnd my roots will set off to seek another land”
“Well, now,if little by little you stop loving meI shall stop loving you little by little.If suddenlyyou forget medo not look for me,for I shall already have forgotten you.”
“If you think it long and mad the wind of banners that passes through my lifeAnd you decide to leave me at the shore of the heart where I have rootsRememberThat on that day, at that hour, I shall lift my armsAnd my roots will set off to seek another land”