XLI - L Summary

XLI: January, in winter, is a rough time for nature, bringing fruit to its limit. In time, though, winter will fade, spring will come, and everything will bloom again.

XLII: Neruda imagines that the daylight is a kind of scorching fire. Because the earth does not wish to be scorched, trees and branches hide it from the sun. Neruda admires this natural barrier.

XLIII: The author searches for a suitable substitute for his lover in other women, but none can compare. At the end, the author is content to be with his lover.

XLIV: Neruda states he both loves and not loves Matilde. By not loving Matilde, there is room to love her in the future.

XLV: Neruda begs Matilde to not leave him, not even for an hour or a second, as he will empty, hollow, and even...