LI - LX Summary

LI: Matilde's laughter is a powerful force, able to split trees like a lightning bolt. Neruda imagines this force was born in the mountains, even a volcano, in the high altitudes.

LII: Matilde's singing causes all of nature to sing in turn, in its own way, from bird whistles to wooden wheels creaking to the sea sloshing.

LIII: Neruda admires his home as a place of peace and sanctuary from the violence and confusion outside. He praises the "simple tenderness" (14) of his wife doing chores.

LIV: Far from the din of the city, the lovers spend time together at home, living and thinking as one so that there is a refreshing honesty and transparency between the lovers.

LV: Even in contentment, one cannot fully escape the woes of the world, including disease, war, famine, etc. Humanity is one family...