Pablo Neruda’s “I Like For You To Be Still”

When you love someone, is it enough to know you love them? In this poem by Pablo Neruda, the poet describes his feelings for his love, understanding her feelings from her silence.  He acts accordingly so that she can feel the depth of his emotion. True feelings of love remain, even in silence.

“And let me talk to you with your silence
that is bright as a lamp, simple as a ring.”

I’ve again included the English and Spanish versions, where the the melancholy mood is expressed in both languages.

I Like For You To Be Still

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Me Gustas Cuando Callas

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If you want an audio experience and for the words to wash over you, try listening to these readings.  Glenn Close reads I Like For You To Be Still and Alejandro Sanz does Me Gusta Cuando Callas.  I got chills listening to the recordings.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9mmTbcjgNUQ&w=560&h=315]

5 Comments

  1. Diana Tyler (Eccentric Muse) May 17, 2018 at 1:52 pm

    Beautiful! I like Glen Close’s read. 💙

    Reply
    1. Kim May 17, 2018 at 8:22 pm

      Haunting but beautiful. 🙂

      Reply
      1. Diana Tyler (Eccentric Muse) May 18, 2018 at 5:56 pm

        Agreed!

  2. ambroseandelsie May 17, 2018 at 3:37 pm

    Thank you so much for sharing these: Both the written and the spoken words. I liked the Glenn Close reading, but I think I like Alejandro Sanz’s version a little more. His reading is a little rushed, but I like how it makes him sound like he had this all bottled up inside of him and it’s just spilling out of him. (I mean that in a good way). 😀

    Reply
    1. Kim May 17, 2018 at 8:26 pm

      Haha. I know what you mean.
      I really enjoyed both as well. I love these dramatic poetry readings. Will have to look for more readings of Neruda’s poems. Can’t wait to see what I find!

      Reply

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