Such a short time we had together,
Before death took you in his warm embrace.
Now I am here without you,
Beside me, an empty space.
I hope what they say is true,
That you are in a better place.

Death kissed my lips and took my hand,
Guiding me through a world so strange,
Where we never parted, never knew the pain,
Where love was never lost, never estranged.

What joy we’d have known, what life we’d have lived,
If only you had not gone away.
I would have held you close, forever near,
In a world untouched by cold decay.

But death’s embrace is all I was granted,
A walk with him, through memories undaunted,
Where you and I remain unbroken,
In the shadows of what might have been.

These are English translations of Spanish poems written by Pablo Neruda, along with translations of select Neruda epigrams and quotes, plus a short poem by Miguel de Cervantes...

PABLO NERUDA TRANSLATIONS

You can crop all the flowers but you cannot detain spring.
―Pablo Neruda, loose translation by Michael R. Burch

While nothing can save us from death,
still love can redeem each breath.
―Pablo Neruda, loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch

Sadness, despair, depression, madness
Are the words that entrap my mind when looking at the bland brown house.
The one house with all grey walls.
The one with the single tan car going back and fourth.
The one where even when we exited our drought, no bright flowers began to sprout.
The one that belongs to a dear Ms. Sky.

My new job started normal, until I met my boss - Ms. Sky.
After that the day was complete utter madness.
Nothing still has yet to sprout.
At Ms. Sky’s house.
I was meant to be at her office first, but I ended up being fourth.

Death is a conundrum..

It is beauty to those that require it.
Pain to those whose watch it
Relief to those want it
aFear, hope and light.. all in one!