Notes About The Poem

This is one of my favorite poems written long time ago. I wish to share this with our great poetric society.

Making of a Poem - Repost from 2023

Pablo Neruda, the great Chilean poet, 
Was exiled in an isolated Italian island during WWII,
Only communication he had with the world,
Were thru the letters delivered by the postman(Mario).

Mario: What's a poem?
Neruda:
It's a metaphor, it's a metaphor,

Mario: What's a metaphor?
Neruda:
'It is a device for seeing something in terms of something else.
It brings out the thisness of that, or a thatness of this.'

Mario: How do I write a metaphor?
Neruda:
Think of rain as the cry of the heavens,
Think of love as a rose,
Think of burning candle as the agony of a lonely heart.

Mario: How do I piece together metaphors?
Neruda:
On a moonlit night, I see my love reflected in the moon's silvery light,
Holding her tight, I smell the fragrance of jasmine tonight,
Adoring her smile, I see the beauty of monarch butterflies,
Staring in her eyes, I see the oasis of love in my high desert lonely life.

Mario:
How do I write a poem?
I love her but have not a spoken a word.

Neruda:
You have the inspiration, put in some romantic words.
On a beautiful moon lit night, I wonder who is prettier,
When I look at you, I forget about the moon.

Knit together love, loneliness, fear, and tears of heart,
Into a beautiful tapestry of emotions and feelings that mask your heart,
Stitch some metaphors, make it a heartwarming comforter.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2026

Poem

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

George Avatar
August 29, 2026 at 2:48 AM
This conversation between Mario and Neruda, whether contrived or real serves as a practical guide to my poetry writing. I am not good at metaphoric poetry. My poems are very simple and straight. Thanks for sharing this gem of a poem. Into my FAV.🥰
Dietrich Avatar
August 29, 2026 at 12:54 AM
So did you think this up. Or is this actually something you dug up and there was a real Mario? So interesting!
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace