This poem beautifully channels Neruda’s sensual spirit. The union of passion, earth, and language. The imagery feels both intimate and elemental, echoing the way Neruda made love and nature inseparable.

It’s a stirring tribute that captures his essence…beautifully penned.

This has so much passion in this. I agree with Romaj beautifully penned.

Damn!
Excellent! You had me at “flayed”. What a vivid, well placed word.

You turned the poem into something else with this, “and all the common words of my peasant’s pen.” Following the next verse, IF you didn’t brilliantly did this, it would have been just a strong sensual poem, but with how amazingly You brought a higher level with the last two line of verse one, then the gorgeous verse two, is what makes the poem very special to me, exploring and expressing a deeper connection. I believe Pablo would admire this🤍

It was/is my pleasure to “whisper” and a big Thank You to the Roman Goddess, daughter of Cupid and Psyche. It’s not often I get a comment from royalty. Not sure I am worthy, but it is appreciated muchly.

You are most welcome my friend🌸 and consider your poem sent, his soul is still out there, just call Him 😊

Yes, please post it. I would love to read what, how you see Neruda’s love sonnets.

I love how you write about her. You feel every word and admiration

Passionately penned, Neville. Amazing imagery and dig your wordplay my friend. Appreciate you.

Damian

Sometimes brevity is just as strong, like a passing kiss. Your short poem here is very strong in its imagery and how it effects the reader.
Well done.

What a sultry sexy vision you just gave me!
Thanks Nev!

Lust at its Best! a very alluring and strongly passionate picture you’ve worded here. You know how to write in few yet powetful lines, the last two lines brought the unquenched desire, the helplessness, the sigh that comes with the complete surrender… Love this❤️

What a raw and intense tribute to Africa!
I’ve never been but you put into words and song a powerful truth.
How do we aim to live with it. Just wow

This poem is powerful. Both a song of mourning and a call to remembrance. I love how the repetition and rhythm make “Africa” itself feel like a heartbeat pulsing through each stanza.

The imagery is rich with longing and pride, and the movement from loss to reclamation is deeply moving. It feels like a spiritual homecoming through language itself.

What a beautiful comment, RomaJ. Thank you so much. You might be surpised, but a few of the people in the writers group (mentioned above to Adelphina) expressed similar feelings. But they also tore through it viciously. This is the final version.