Patch Adams Poem
Following a discussion at work - and I happen to think it is particularly romantic, here is the poem for (hopefully) a few more individuals to enjoy.
The poem used in the movie is by Pablo Neruda. It is Sonnet 17 of Neruda’s 100 Love Sonnets available in English translation by Stephen Tapscott. It is this translation that Patch reads in the movie. Here is the text of the poem in its entirety:
I do not love you as if you were salt-rose, or topaz,
or the arrow of carnations the fire shoots off.
I love you as certain dark things are to be loved,
in secret, between the shadow and the soul.
I love you as the plant that never blooms,
but carries in itself the light of hidden flowers;
thanks to your love a certain solid fragrance,
risen from the earth, lives darkly in my body.
I love you without knowing how, or when, or from where.
I love you straightforwardly, without complexities or pride;
so I love you because I know no other way
than this: where I does not exist, nor you,
so close that your hand on my chest is my hand,
so close that your eyes close as I fall asleep.
on October 11th, 2005 at 2:29 pm
I have included the adds above for your convenience. There seems to be an awful lot of of people out there searching for this poem. I’m glad I posted it now. For those who have left comments on this page, I am sorry, they did not get ported across when the site was upgraded.
on November 16th, 2005 at 11:03 pm
This is such a beautiful poem, i cannot use words to explain it.
James
on December 4th, 2005 at 2:00 am
I adore this poem. I was just flicking through some channels a few weeks ago, and what happened to be on bbc 1, Patch Adams.
Ive never seen it, and as there was nothing worth watching on the other channels, I started watching it.
A great movie, although this poem captured me the most. And I especially love the bit where his girlfriend dies and everyone attends her funeral, he waits tentively behind the tree, until everyone leaves then appears, stands by her coffin, and recites this poem.
I cried continuously throughout that. The words are so moving, true and deep. And what made it more great was who better to recite them than the Oscar award winning Robin Williams. Although he’s funny hes a serious actor too & that part of the film for me was unique.
I searched everywhere for this poem. Ive now found it.
Thank You.
Gemma
on January 1st, 2006 at 10:11 am
For a better translation, check out “The Essential Neruda” and a poster of the sonnet at http://www.redpoppy.net/pablo_neruda.php
Paz,
Nef
on January 6th, 2006 at 6:39 pm
I recently watched Patch Adams and when I heard this poem I realized that this poem sums up what I feel for my soul mate Josh.
It is beautiful.
on January 8th, 2006 at 7:28 pm
when i watched patch adams and heard this poem, immediately i fell in love with the poem though it’s not complete yet it really touched and moved me in some way.
thanks and i’ve found it here!
on October 12th, 2006 at 2:05 pm
That is the most beautiful poem I have ever heard!
on April 13th, 2007 at 5:27 pm
Neruda’s country is also mine, i have read both translations and both r so misserably poor, i just wish u all could enjoy the way he makes love with words in spanish, the sutil way to express something and succeed in it so deeply, so strong, so truthfully….
There is a very rare poem of him, for those who understands spanish, try to find it, the name is “la palabra”.
on April 17th, 2007 at 7:02 pm
as said above, ive been serching for this poem and finally i found it! i cant explain how this poem makes me feel, but this is the one thing, that inevitably puts a tear in my eye. Its been decided already that this will be read at my mothers funeral. its special to both of us, signifying a love between any two people.
thanks kelly
on December 16th, 2007 at 1:38 am
This poem, as well as Patch Adam’s movie en the song Blue Skies are the most beautiful ones in each genre.
I love them.