I think a lot about whether brushes with death should spur us to more determined action. In a sense, of course, I see why they would. In a different sense, though, I am more rolling around to the idea that, while accomplishing something extraordinary is definitely fine and good, NOT doing that is also pretty fine and good too…. I think about ambition, and how it turns on us if it is too strong. Like, you or me when we think about ‘doing something extraordinary’ we think about creating some great work of art, or such. But SOME people, when they think of ‘doing something extraordinary’, they think of conquering a whole other nation ‘for the glory of their homeland’. Or they think of creating a full monopoly in their industry and racing to earn a trillion dollars.
Such polish and finesse, always. You show us how it's done. I am always so enamoured with the timelessness of your poetry. It could be from renaissance Verona---ardent Romeo and Juliet-type Jezebels giving themselves over to hot-headed passion; it could be 1990---it could be 1942, and her beloved is home, injured, from war and they are finally reunited. Just wonderful writing.
Thank you so much. You know I always look forward to your responses. I actually agree about the timelessness thing and note you didn't put any of the dates in this century. :) I agree with that choice too, as a matter of fact. All the structure and craft - not so popular these days; I think it does put some people off, being perhaps urbane rather than lost in the throes of passion. Sometimes I see it as a limitation, and I do love the way some people manage to throw themselves into words and come up with some striking image that works wonders with its immediacy and impact. What to do with one's self is always the question, isn't it?
I don't know how much lit crit you studied, but have you heard of the Dionysian versus Apollonian traditions?
I think a lot about whether brushes with death should spur us to more determined action. In a sense, of course, I see why they would. In a different sense, though, I am more rolling around to the idea that, while accomplishing something extraordinary is definitely fine and good, NOT doing that is also pretty fine and good too…. I think about ambition, and how it turns on us if it is too strong. Like, you or me when we think about ‘doing something extraordinary’ we think about creating some great work of art, or such. But SOME people, when they think of ‘doing something extraordinary’, they think of conquering a whole other nation ‘for the glory of their homeland’. Or they think of creating a full monopoly in their industry and racing to earn a trillion dollars.
Haha, of course the idea, always, is to motivated in the right direction.
Direction and degree, I suppose. The planet would definitely be doing so much better if a few people had a little less ambition.
Such polish and finesse, always. You show us how it's done. I am always so enamoured with the timelessness of your poetry. It could be from renaissance Verona---ardent Romeo and Juliet-type Jezebels giving themselves over to hot-headed passion; it could be 1990---it could be 1942, and her beloved is home, injured, from war and they are finally reunited. Just wonderful writing.
Thank you so much. You know I always look forward to your responses. I actually agree about the timelessness thing and note you didn't put any of the dates in this century. :) I agree with that choice too, as a matter of fact. All the structure and craft - not so popular these days; I think it does put some people off, being perhaps urbane rather than lost in the throes of passion. Sometimes I see it as a limitation, and I do love the way some people manage to throw themselves into words and come up with some striking image that works wonders with its immediacy and impact. What to do with one's self is always the question, isn't it?
I don't know how much lit crit you studied, but have you heard of the Dionysian versus Apollonian traditions?
Beautifully written, as always. :)
I’m glad you’re here, and thanks.
Well written 👏