Pablo Neruda Best Quotes

Neruda’s poetry is well-known for containing some truly beautiful quotes about love, intimacy between partners, and a desire to be consumed by love in all possible ways. The quotes below demonstrate his ability to put complex ideas and feelings into words.

Love can feel pure and powerful

This quote is a beautiful example of Neruda’s writing about love. The quote speaks about love that is impossible to describe and categorize. It is pure, without complications, and transcends the boundaries of identity. Th love the two share is incredibly innate, as well. It exists naturally and effortlessly. 

The images in this quote perfectly fit with this depiction of love. For example, “when I fall asleep, your eyes close,” as if the two are perfectly in sync. 

Love is complicated

In these lines, Neruda speaks about love as something that’s felt and sometimes hard to understand. The speaker suggests that they love everything about their beloved. They love their innermost soul and suggest the existence of a love that is deep, personal, and somewhat hidden away from the public eye. 

The protective nature of the heart

This excerpt speaks about the nature of love and the pain of its loss. The gradual fading of love (little by little) and the suddenness of forgetting are scenarios that the speaker feels he needs to prepare for. 

A desire to inspire growth. 

This short quote compares the desire to influence and transform a relationship or person in the same way that spring awakens cherry blossoms on trees. The speaker hopes to be a positive influence on someone else and allow their love to bring out the best in this person. 

The deep sadness that comes with remembering an unrequited love affair 

In this quote, Neruda captures the pain of reflecting on an unsuccessful relationship in which one person did not return their feelings. The acknowledgment of the love as uncertain and sporadic adds to the emotion in these lines. The inconsistent affection is worse than none at all. 

The power one person can have over another in a relationship

In these emotional lines, the speaker describes an all-consuming love for another person. The image of prowling through the street depicts an incredibly powerful yearning for the other person. The speaker is desperate to capture the other person’s presence. 

Being separated from the one you love is painful

In these lines, the poet uses the metaphor of a lonely house to express a sense of emptiness. The house is waiting to be filled and brought to life by the speaker’s loved one. The windows are used, specifically, as a representation of the pain of separation and the speaker’s desire to be with the person they love. 

A deep gratitude for life’s journey

In these lines, the speaker discusses how much they love their partner, down to their feet. The latter is focused on the way in which they walked the earth and found their way to the speaker. This indicates a loving appreciation for everything in their lover’s life. 

The importance of emotional preservation in relationships

In this determined quote, the speaker indicates that if “you” forget him, then you can be sure that he’s already “forgotten you.” This suggests that reciprocated love is of the utmost importance and that he isn’t going to yearn for someone who isn’t interested in him. The speaker wants to take care of himself in difficult situations such as the one outlined here. 

Love makes the beloved unique

In this short quote, the speaker addresses their lover and tells them that they are special because they are loved by the speaker. Their love elevates them above everyone else and makes them stand out in everything they do. They are unique and incredible from the lover’s perspective. 

Love drives a fulfilling life

This quote compares returned love to a fire that feeds our life. It implies that love when it’s returned, provides a true warmth and energy that makes life worth living. Mutual love can invigorate you in a way that nothing else can. 

Separation will not necessarily end a relationship

In these lines, the poet depicts a longing to move forward and an inability to do so. He expresses a desire to be with his loved ones, even when they’re gone, and a need to walk towards them. He acknowledges the need to continue living his life despite this separation. 

The idea of being completely consumed by a passionate love

In the lines, the speaker reflects on the depths of his passion and commitment. The metaphor of dying love indicates a willingness to give in and be consumed by his feelings. The poet references “fire and blood,” suggesting that this love is deeply passionate and life-altering. 

It is hard to forget love

This quote reflects on the complicated nature of love and the effects of a true attachment. The poet distinguishes between being “in love” and “loving” in these lines, as well. He transitions from passionate love to a more subdued, lasting affection. He also comments on the way that love does not necessarily last forever and that forgetting can take a very long time. 

The lasting emotional connection between lovers

In these lines, the poet again comments on how long-lasting love can be and how, despite a long distance between two people, the love can remain. The poet uses night as a metaphor here to depict the two coming together as night falls over both cities. 

Love exists without explanation

In these lines, the poet uses repetition to depict the nature of their love and how simple yet profound it is. He loves without “knowing how, or when, or from where” the love comes from or how he can categorize it. He loves his beloved in an entirely free and powerful way. 

Poetry arrives in one’s life at a pivotal point

In these lines, the poet discusses the influence that poetry had on his life and how it came to him, as if of its own accord, and began to influence his life. The quote speaks of an artistic awakening. It’s a point in his life in which poetry became an integral part of his existence. It implies a shared fate with the art. 

Time is delicate

In these lines, the poet compares the month of June to a trembling butterfly. It reminds readers of the delicacy of time and how important it is to appreciate every moment. The poet uses metaphors in these lines, as well, to describe “Green” as silence and “wet” as light. 

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