I watched the movie “Il Postino” in its entirety last week for the very first time. Those of you who know me intimately are probably aware of my love of good Italian cinema – with “Nuovo Cinema Paradiso” still ranking as my all time favourite film. Nonetheless, I admit that I rather enjoyed “Il Postino” because it appeals to me on a number of levels. For starters the main character, Postman Mario Ruopolo, is an aspiring poet who rides a bicycle – sound familiar anyone? The Postman has but one delivery in the course of his employ who just happens to be exiled Chilean poet, scholar, and politician Pablo Neruda. Without giving away too much of the plot, the duo develop an unlikely friendship which is cemented by Don Pablito’s assistance to Mario in wooing the woman of his dreams. If you haven’t seen the film I highly recommend it.

I had previously taken a cursory glance at Neruda’s poetry in the past and considered it to be slightly outside my preferred style of poetry. The movie helped me gain an appreciation of his work however. Instead of straight rhyme Mr. Neruda’s technique often involved the abundant use of metaphors in capturing images. I am now an admirer of Mr. Neruda’s work and have provided two of his poems for this week. I apologize that both of the famous poets whose works I’ve cited to this point share a name in common with myself i.e., Paul Rea, Paul Lawrence Dunbar, Pablo Nerruda – purely coincidental I swear! But hope you can appreciate the works I have provided here.

Its important to note that Mr. Neruda died in 1973 and was pretty much a lifelong Communist. While I do not agree with his politics there can be no denying that his poetry is some of the most influential and beautiful verse written in the 20th century.

Please enjoy.

PS: I was so inspired by “Ode to a Naked Beauty” that I wrote a poem entitled “Warmth” which varies markedly from my usual poetry. I consider it be written in what I call the “Neruda-esque” style and will share it with my readers at some point in the future. Does anyone notice the similar theme of Neruda’s “Poetry” and my own “Another Place, Another Time”?

Peace

Paul