Night on the island

All night I have slept with you 

next to the sea, on the island. 

Wild and sweet you were between pleasure and sleep, 

between fire and water.

Perhaps very late 

our dreams joined 

at the top or at the bottom, 

up above like branches moved by a common wind, 

down below like red roots that touch.

Perhaps your dream 

drifted from mine 

and through the dark sea

was seeking me

as before, 

when you did not yet exist, 

when without sighting you 

I sailed by your side, 

and your eyes sought 

what now- 

bread, wine, love, and anger- 

I heap upon you 

because you are the cup 

that was waiting for the gifts of my life.

I have slept with you 

all night long while 

the dark earth spins 

with the living and the dead, 

and on waking suddenly 

in the midst of the shadow 

my arm encircled your waist.

Neither night 

nor sleep could separate us.

I have slept with you 

and on waking, your mouth, 

come from your dream, 

gave me the taste of earth, 

of sea water, of seaweed, 

of the depths of your life, 

and I received your kiss 

moistened by the dawn 

as if it came to me 

from the sea that surrounds us.

by Pablo Neruda - "The Captain's Verses"

Seaweed scene © Jennifer Phillips