Me Gustas Cuando Callas – Pablo Neruda

Me gustas cuando callas porque estás como ausente, y me oyes desde lejos, y mi voz no te toca. Parece que los ojos se te hubieran volado y parece que un beso te cerrara la boca. Como todas las cosas están llenas de mi alma emerges de las cosas, llena del alma mía. Mariposa de sueño, te pareces a mi alma, y te pareces a la palabra melancolía. Me gustas cuando callas y estás como distante. Y estás como quejándote, mariposa en arrullo. Y me oyes desde lejos, y mi voz no te alcanza: déjame que te hable con el silencio tuyo. Déjame que también te hable con tu silencio claro como una lámpara, simple como un anillo. Eres como la noche, callada y constelada. Tu silencio es de estrella, tan lejos y sencillo. Me gustas cuando callas porque estás como ausente. Distante y dolorosa, como si hubieras muerto. Una palabra entonces, una sonrisa bastan, Y estoy alegre, alegre de que no sea cierto. ~ Pablo Neruda Poema #15

I Like You in Your Silence – Pablo Neruda * Posted: 26 Jul 2015 01:29 PM PDT I like you in your silence because it is as if you were not there, and you hear me from afar, and my voice does not touch you. It is as if eyes have taken you away and as if a kiss seals your mouth. As all things are filled with my soul, you emerge from those things filled with my soul. Butterfly of dreams, you are like my soul, and you are like a very sad word. I like you in your silence and it is as if you were distant. And it is as if you were complaining, cooing butterfly. And you hear me from afar, and my voice does not reach you: let me be quiet in your own silence. Let me also speak to you with your silence clear like a lamp, simple as a ring. You are like the night, quiet and scattered in the heavens. Your silence is that of a star, so distant and simple. I like you in your silence because it is as if you were not there. Distant and hurting, as if you were dead. Then a word, a smile are enough. And I am happy, happy it is not so. ~ Pablo Neruda Poem #15 *Translated by Rob McBride Note:  Language is very diverse and translations are very dynamic.  In particular, in this poem, the word “callar” can mean many different things, including: quiet, still and silence.  I have chosen “silence” because it fits best with my personal interpretation of the poem, which alludes in part to the special relationship I feel with those who read me.  Nevertheless, there are many other excellent translations available. This is my humble attempt to pay homage the Pablo Neruda’s wonderful words.