Ode to You

Words escape me so I borrow another's:

I do not love you as if you were a salt-rose, or topaz,   

or arrow of carnations the fire shoots off..  

I love you as certain dark things are to be loved,   

in secret, between the shadow and the soul.

I love you as the plant that never blooms 

but carries in itself the light of hidden flowers; 

thanks to your love a certain solid fragrance, 

risen from the earth, lives darkly in my body.

I love you without knowing how, or when, or from where.   

I love you straightforwardly, without complexities or pride;

so I love you because I know no other way

than this: where I does not exist, nor you,  

so close that your hand on my chest is my hand,   

so close that your eyes close as I fall asleep.

- Pablo Neruda

No fears and limitless, MHF