The Book of Questions, III 

III.


Tell me, is the rose naked
or is that her only dress?

Why do trees conceal
the splendor of their roots?

Who hears the regrets
of the thieving automobile?

Is there anything in the world sadder 
than a train standing in the rain?
Credit

Reprinted from The Book of Questions by permission of Copper Canyon Press, written by Pablo Neruda, and translated by William O'Daly. Copyright © 2001 by William O'Daly. All rights reserved.