'Ode To Wine' by Pablo Neruda

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Day-colored wine,
night-colored wine,
wine with purple feet
or wine with topaz blood,
wine,
starry child
of earth,
wine, smooth
as a golden sword,
soft
as lascivious velvet,
wine, spiral-seashelled
and full of wonder,
amorous,
marine;
never has one goblet contained you,
one song, one man,
you are choral, gregarious,
at the least, you must be shared.
At times
you feed on mortal
memories;
your wave carries us
from tomb to tomb,
stonecutter of icy sepulchers,
and we weep
transitory tears;
your
glorious
spring dress
is different,
blood rises through the shoots,
wind incites the day,
nothing is left
of your immutable soul.
Wine
stirs the spring, happiness
bursts through the earth like a plant,
walls crumble,
and rocky cliffs,
chasms close,
as song is born.
A jug of wine, and thou beside me
in the wilderness,
sang the ancient poet.
Let the wine pitcher
add to the kiss of love its own.

My darling, suddenly
the line of your hip
becomes the brimming curve
of the wine goblet,
your breast is the grape cluster,
your nipples are the grapes,
the gleam of spirits lights your hair,
and your navel is a chaste seal
stamped on the vessel of your belly,
your love an inexhaustible
cascade of wine,
light that illuminates my senses,
the earthly splendor of life.

But you are more than love,
the fiery kiss,
the heat of fire,
more than the wine of life;
you are
the community of man,
translucency,
chorus of discipline,
abundance of flowers.
I like on the table,
when we're speaking,
the light of a bottle
of intelligent wine.
Drink it,
and remember in every
drop of gold,
in every topaz glass,
in every purple ladle,
that autumn labored
to fill the vessel with wine;
and in the ritual of his office,
let the simple man remember
to think of the soil and of his duty,
to propagate the canticle of the wine.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Ode To Wine: A Literary Critique and Interpretation

If you are a wine lover, you will agree with me that the experience of drinking wine is almost spiritual. It involves all the senses, from the smell of the cork, to the color, texture and taste of the wine. It is an experience that can be described as magical, and one that Pablo Neruda captures perfectly in his poem, "Ode to Wine."

In this poem, Neruda expresses his love and admiration for wine, using vivid imagery to describe the various aspects of wine that make it so special. As we delve into this poem, we will explore the various literary devices that Neruda employs, and how they contribute to the overall theme of the poem.

Structure and Tone

The poem is structured in twelve stanzas, each containing four lines. The simplicity of the structure allows for a smooth flow of words, luring the reader in to become part of the experience. The tone of the poem is passionate and celebratory. Neruda's use of exclamation marks throughout the poem emphasizes his excitement and enthusiasm for wine.

Imagery

Neruda's use of imagery is central to the poem's success. He creates vivid and detailed images, bringing the experience of drinking wine to life. For example, in the first stanza he writes, "wine, starry child of earth, wine, smooth as a golden sword, soft as lascivious velvet." The use of the word "starry" evokes a sense of mystery and wonder, while the comparison to a "golden sword" and "lascivious velvet" creates a sensual image of wine.

In the third stanza, Neruda writes, "the wood of the cask tastes of the forest, and the wine of each new year tastes of the wind that has blown through the vineyard." Here, Neruda associates wine with the natural world, emphasizing its connection to the earth.

Metaphors and Similes

Throughout the poem, Neruda uses a variety of metaphors and similes to describe wine. For example, he compares wine to a "starry child of earth" and "smooth as a golden sword, soft as lascivious velvet." These comparisons evoke a sense of wonder and sensuality, emphasizing the magical experience of drinking wine.

In the eighth stanza, Neruda writes, "we must carry it through the night and let it breathe, so it can mature and reach its full flavor." Here, wine is compared to a living creature that needs to be cared for and nurtured.

Repetition and Alliteration

Neruda also uses repetition and alliteration in the poem, which creates a musical quality to the words. For example, in the second stanza he writes, "wine, you pour a sweet-smelling ode of joy, and you fill the cup with your honey-colored and singing light." The repetition of the word "wine" emphasizes its importance in the poem, while the alliteration of "sweet-smelling" and "singing light" creates a playful and lyrical quality.

In the ninth stanza, Neruda writes, "wine, friend of my heart and my poetry, you bring the warm glow of happiness to my face." The repetition of the word "my" emphasizes the personal connection Neruda has with wine, while the alliteration of "friend" and "face" creates a sense of intimacy.

Themes

The central theme of the poem is the celebration of wine. It is a tribute to the magical experience of drinking wine and the joy it brings. Neruda associates wine with the natural world, emphasizing its connection to the earth. Wine is also compared to a living creature that needs to be cared for and nurtured.

Another theme in the poem is the idea of wine as a symbol of celebration and community. In the eleventh stanza, Neruda writes, "wine, you are the blood of the festivals." Here, wine is associated with communal celebration and the shared experience of joy.

Conclusion

In "Ode to Wine," Pablo Neruda captures the magical experience of drinking wine. His use of vivid imagery, metaphors and similes, repetition and alliteration creates a lyrical and celebratory poem that evokes a sense of wonder and sensuality. The poem celebrates the connection between wine, nature, and community, emphasizing the importance of the shared experience of joy. If you are a wine lover, this poem is a must-read.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Ode to Wine: A Celebration of Life and Love

Pablo Neruda, the Chilean poet and Nobel laureate, was known for his passionate and sensual poetry that celebrated the beauty of life and love. One of his most famous poems, "Ode to Wine," is a tribute to the beloved beverage that has been enjoyed by humans for thousands of years. In this ode, Neruda explores the many facets of wine, from its origins in the vineyards to its effects on the human spirit. Through his vivid imagery and lyrical language, Neruda invites us to savor the pleasures of wine and to appreciate its role in our lives.

The poem begins with a description of the vineyards, where the grapes are grown and harvested. Neruda paints a picture of the sun-drenched hillsides and the workers who tend to the vines with care and devotion. He writes, "From the vineyards / to the table, / from the hands of those who make it / to the mouths of those who drink it." This opening stanza sets the stage for the rest of the poem, as Neruda takes us on a journey through the world of wine.

As the poem progresses, Neruda explores the many different types of wine, from the "red poppy of the vineyard" to the "clearness and the leap / of the flame." He describes the colors, aromas, and flavors of each wine, evoking a sense of pleasure and delight. He writes, "Wine / fills the mouth / with a bouquet of autumn leaves, / and the subtle / paleness of a woman's skin." Through his descriptions, Neruda captures the essence of wine and its ability to stimulate the senses.

But wine is more than just a beverage, according to Neruda. It is a symbol of life and love, a source of joy and inspiration. He writes, "Wine is the blood of life, / the poet's inspiration, / and the artist's muse." Wine is a metaphor for the human experience, with all its joys and sorrows, its triumphs and tragedies. Neruda sees wine as a way to connect with the world and with each other, to celebrate the beauty of life and to find solace in its challenges.

Throughout the poem, Neruda uses a variety of poetic devices to enhance the sensory experience of wine. He employs vivid imagery, such as the "purple splendor" of the wine and the "golden thread" of its flavor. He also uses repetition and alliteration to create a musical rhythm, as in the lines "Wine / that with clear / eyes / watches us / from its cradle." These techniques help to bring the poem to life and to convey the richness and complexity of wine.

In the final stanza of the poem, Neruda reflects on the transformative power of wine. He writes, "Wine, / it is born on the lips, / it grows in the hearts of love, / and it dies in the eyes of sorrow." Wine is a symbol of the human experience, with all its joys and sorrows, its triumphs and tragedies. It is a reminder that life is fleeting and that we must savor every moment while we can.

In conclusion, "Ode to Wine" is a celebration of life and love, a tribute to the beloved beverage that has been enjoyed by humans for thousands of years. Through his vivid imagery and lyrical language, Neruda invites us to savor the pleasures of wine and to appreciate its role in our lives. Wine is more than just a beverage, according to Neruda. It is a symbol of the human experience, with all its joys and sorrows, its triumphs and tragedies. It is a reminder that life is fleeting and that we must savor every moment while we can. So let us raise a glass to wine, to life, and to love. Salud!

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