Poem 7: Leaning into the afternoon I cast my saddened nets
Leaning into the Afternoons by Pablo Neruda is a beautiful and evocative poem that captures
the essence of life, love and the passage of time. Written in 1924, the poem remains a timeless
masterpiece that continues to resonate with readers today. The poem is a reflection on the simple
pleasures of life, such as feeling the sun on your face, watching the wind play with the leaves,
and listening to the song of birds. It is a celebration of the beauty of the natural world and the way it
can bring joy and peace into our lives.
But the poem is not just about the beauty of nature. It is also about the power of love and the
way it can transform us. Neruda writes about the way love can make us feel like we are flying,
like we are weightless and limitless. He captures the sense of euphoria that comes from being
in love and the way it can fill our hearts with light and happiness.
At the same time, the poem is also about the passage of time and the way it shapes and changes
our lives. Neruda writes about the shadows that lengthen as the day wears on, and the way the
world seems to grow quieter and more still as the afternoon turns into evening. He captures the
sense of melancholy that can come with the passing of time, and the way we can feel both joy
and sadness as we watch our lives unfold.
Throughout the poem, Neruda's use of language is masterful. His words are simple, yet profound,
and they create a vivid and powerful picture of the world around us. From the "flaming metals"
of sun to the "apples descending from the trees, his imagery is both rich and precise,
Ultimately, Leaning into the Afternoons is a poem about living in the moment, about savoring
the small pleasures of life, and about embracing both the joy and the sorrow that come with the
passing of time. It is a reminder that life is fleeting and that we must make the most of every
moment, cherishing the beauty of the world around us and the love that we share with others.
It's a reminder to slow down and savor the small moments in life, to be present and mindful, and
to cherish the beauty and magic of the world in all its complexity. I hope this poem and my
thoughts on it have brought you some joy and inspiration today. Let's all take a moment to lean
into the afternoon and appreciate the wonder of the world around us. Neruda's poetry has
reminded me why I have such a passion for poetry in the first place and always will.
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