XVII.

Have you noticed that autumn

is like a yellow cow?

And how later the autumnal beast

is a dark skeleton?

And how winter collects

so many layers of blue?

And who asked springtime

for its kingdom of clear air?

LXXII.

If all rivers are sweet

where does the sea get its salt?

How do the seasons know

they must change their shirt?

Why so slowly in winter

and later with such a rapid shudder?

LXIX.

With which stars do they go on speaking,

the rivers that never reach the sea?

And how do the roots know

they must climb toward the light?

And then greet the air

with so many flowers and colors?

Is it always the same spring

who revives her role?

LXXIV.

Why does it linger in the branches

until the leaves fall?

And where are its yellow trousers

left hanging?

Is it true that autumn seems to wait

for something to happen?

Perhaps the trembling of a leaf

or the movement of the universe?

Is there a magnet under the earth,

brother magnet of autumn?

When is the appointment of the rose

decreed under the earth?

Pablo Neruda/The book of questions