"Love is the beauty of the soul." -St. Aurelius Augustine

Bonjour mes amis! Just a little update, I have decided to do new things with the BOOKWORMportal. I have had a blast writing about books and authors but I have decided that I want to do more. I will still continue the book portion on here because I like doing it. However, to be a true "bookworm" I feel that it extends to MUCH more than just books. I believe it extends to art, music, poetry and in some cases movies... Anyhow, for those of you who actually read this thing I would like to say thank you!

So, I would like to begin a new change of pace right now. In honor of Valentines Day (also known as Arizona Statehood Day) I would like to post my seven favorite love poems of all time. One poem for each day on here until the big day. Oh man I have gone soft in my old age! I remember the days when I liked my poetry filled with angst and turmoil. Here goes day 1, I hope you enjoy them as much as I have.

This first poem is by Pablo Neruda. He is arguably one of the best love poets of all time. Neruda is the man. This poem has a hint of sadness to it because it seems like an unrequited love poem. It could be that the narrator is a sailor and left a girl behind. Perhaps there is no sea at all! Is it all metaphorical that the woman he loves seems out of reach as though she were across the sea...or across the port (Gatsby anyone?). Who knows, but I do love me some Neruda.

Here I Love You - Pablo Neruda

Here I love you.
In the dark pines the wind disentangles itself.
The moon glows like phosphorous on the vagrant waters.
Days, all one kind, go chasing each other.

The snow unfurls in dancing figures.
A silver gull slips down from the west.
Sometimes a sail. High, high stars.

Oh the black cross of a ship.
Alone.
Sometimes I get up early and even my soul is wet.
Far away the sea sounds and resounds.
This is a port.
Here I love you.
Here I love you and the horizon hides you in vain.
I love you still among these cold things.
Sometimes my kisses go on those heavy vessels
that cross the sea towards no arrival.
I see myself forgotten like those old anchors.
The piers sadden when the afternoon moors there.
My life grows tired, hungry to no purpose.
I love what I do not have. You are so far.
My loathing wrestles with the slow twilights.
But night comes and starts to sing to me.

The moon turns its clockwork dream.
The biggest stars look at me with your eyes.
And as I love you, the pines in the wind
want to sing your name with their leaves of wire.

Have a great day everyone. À plus tard!