Notes

The text for "WHEN I SLEEP ENORMOUS" comes from the last stanza of the last poem Pablo Neruda completed before his death. Found on his desk when he passed away, it was a love poem to his wife, Matilde, entitled FINALE. With poignant simplicity, Neruda expresses his gratefulness for his wife's love and patience throughout their relationship and leaves her with the knowledge that she was always his source of strength and support.

Excerpt from FINALE

The world is bluer and of the earth
at night, when I sleep
enormous, within your small hands.

PABLO NERUDA
Trans. WILLIAM O'DALY
Copyright ©1973 Pablo Neruda
Translation ©1988 William O'Daly
Text repreinted with permission