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Translating Neruda: Femininity and Sensuality ... - Triceratops Home

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VII: Leaning into the Afternoons<br />

W. S. Merwin, 1969<br />

Leaning into the afternoons I cast my sad nets<br />

towards your oceanic eyes.<br />

There in the highest blaze my solitude lengthens <strong>and</strong> flames,<br />

its arms turning like a drowning man’s.<br />

I send out red signals across your absent eyes<br />

that move like the sea near a lighthouse.<br />

You keep only darkness, my distant female,<br />

from your regard sometimes the coast of dread emerges.<br />

Leaning into the afternoons I fling my sad nets<br />

to that sea that beats on your marine eyes.<br />

The birds of night peck at the first stars<br />

that flash like my soul when I love you.<br />

The night gallops on its shadowy mare<br />

shedding blue tassels over the l<strong>and</strong>.<br />

Mueller 42

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