leaning into the afternoon (for stringbeanjean)

leaning into the afternoon i cast my sad nets
towards your oceanic eyes.

there in the highest blaze my solitude lengthens and flames,
its arms turning like a drowning man's.

i send out red signals across your absent eyes
that wave like the sea or the beach by a lighthouse.

you keep only darkness, my distant female,
from your regard sometimes the coast of dread emerges.

leaning into the afternoons i fling my sad nets
to that sea that is thrashed by your oceanic eyes.

the birds of night peck at the first stars
that flash like my soul when i love you.

the night gallops on its shadow mare
shedding blue tassels over the land.

pablo neruda