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Sonnet XVII I do not love you as if you were salt-rose, or…

“Sonnet XVII I do not love you as if you were salt-rose, or topaz, or the 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…” quote by Pablo Neruda
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““Sonnet XVII I do not love you as if you were salt-rose, or topaz, or the 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

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Love is described as a deep, secret, and essential connection that transcends ordinary descriptions, rooted in darkness and hidden light.

In simple terms: Love is a secret, deep bond beyond words.

Key Takeaway

Embrace love’s hidden depths.

Themes

love depth secret

Mood

poetic intimate

Type

literary romantic

When to use this quote

  • intimate relationships
  • personal reflection
  • creative writing

Key Concepts

philosophy emotion

Questions to Reflect On

  • What hidden aspects of love do you cherish?
  • How does secret love shape identity?
A Different Perspective

Such love may be hard to articulate to others.

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