Poem Analysis - Your Feet

An Ode to the Foundation

Pablo Neruda's "your feet" is a deeply intimate and unconventional love poem. It begins with an almost humble observation, focusing on the often-overlooked feature of feet, and gradually builds into a declaration of love based on the journey those feet have taken. The tone shifts from simple observation to admiration, culminating in a profound sense of gratitude. The poem is both sensual and reverential, celebrating the beloved's entire being by focusing initially on its most grounded aspect.

The Journey in Every Step

One of the central themes of the poem is the journey of love and connection. The feet are not merely physical attributes, but symbols of the path the beloved has traveled to reach the speaker. The lines "only because they walked / upon the earth and upon / the wind and upon the waters, / until they found me" suggest a destined meeting, a pilgrimage that culminates in the speaker's presence. This elevates the love beyond simple attraction; it becomes a recognition of a shared fate, a connection forged through experience and movement.

Upward Gazes and Grounded Love

The theme of appreciation for the unseen is also crucial. The speaker initially admits, "When I cannot look at your face / I look at your feet." This suggests a deeper understanding than superficial beauty. He doesn't focus on the conventional objects of desire but finds beauty and meaning in the part of the body that is usually hidden or taken for granted. The feet are the foundation, the support upon which the entire being rests. This focus on the foundation highlights the speaker's ability to see and value the essence of the beloved, not just the surface.

From Feet to Tower: Building a Metaphor

The poem uses a vertical imagery progression, starting with the feet and gradually ascending to the "little tower" of the beloved's head. This upward movement mirrors the speaker's affection, growing from a focus on the feet to an encompassing view of the whole person. The "arched bone" and "hard little feet" provide a sense of grounded strength, contrasting with the more ethereal imagery of the "sockets of your eyes / that have just flown away" and "red tresses." The "little tower" metaphor encapsulates the beloved's overall presence – a strong, beautiful, and perhaps slightly distant figure.

The Earthy and the Ethereal

The recurring images of the earth, wind, and waters emphasize the connection between the beloved and the natural world. The feet have traversed these elements, becoming a part of them. This creates a sense of timelessness and universality. The feet are not just personal attributes, but symbols of humanity's connection to the earth. The imagery also introduces a sense of movement and freedom; the beloved is not static but has actively sought out the speaker, making the love a result of purposeful action.

A Lasting Impression of Reverence

In conclusion, "your feet" is a poem that subverts traditional love poetry by focusing on an unconventional object of affection. Through vivid imagery and a shifting tone, Neruda explores themes of journey, appreciation for the unseen, and the connection to the natural world. The poem ultimately celebrates a love that is grounded, earned, and profoundly appreciative of the other person's journey. It offers a unique perspective on beauty, suggesting that true love lies in recognizing and valuing the foundations upon which our beloveds stand.