One of my favorite poets is Pablo Neruda. I have been reading his poetry his my freshman year in college, maybe even longer. I can't remember exactly how I came to be introduced to his writing, but it may have been because of the film Il Postino, which features a fictional version of the poet. His lyrical poetry is so beautiful and romantic. It has long been my hope to share his work with someone I cared about, but I've never had the opportunity.

XVI

I love the handful of earth you are. Because of its meadows, vast as a planet, I have no other star. You are my replica of the multiplying universe. Your wide eyes are the only light I know from the extinguished constellations; your skin throbs like a streak of a meteor through the rain. your hips were that much of the moon for me; your deep mouth and its delights, that much sun; Your heart, fiery with its long red rays, was that much ardent light, like honey in the shade. So I pass across your burning form, kissing you—compact and planetary, my dove, my globe.