I woke up this morning and noticed the sun was barely up and it was 8 am. Being retired and not having to punch a clock anymore makes me notice the sun. I would get up with the alarm, shower, coffee, breakfast and out the door to a warehouse with cubicles and artificial light. Time change.
This is Baudelaire's famous poem about humanity's lack of concern for fellow humans and for the planet we inhabit. I think Baudelaire is saying that if we don't change soon, the spark of light, warmth and kindness will go out in us, and humanity will become a dark failed entity.
It was quite a long time ago when he wrote this. But who can honestly say - looking at the warring world around us now - that things have gotten any better? Who can honestly say that we are not busier than ever nailing our own vast coffin tightly shut?
I agree. So much turmoil around the world, but we have politicians, warmongers, leaders of nations to thank for that.
I like to think that at ground level we have (mostly)individually, and as as a society, become more tolerant, aware, reflective and kinder.
We cannot heal the world, I've but learned that, but we can make our own bit of it a nicer place to inhabit. Our reach is short but that's about the best we can do, with the hope that our positivity, compassion and decency is infectious.
If everyone reached out with decency to their neighbour, which most people are inclined to do, then hope for real change will grow, and then happen. "They got the guns but we got the numbers ... C'mon ... " (Jim Morrison, The Doors. Song: "Five to One". Album "Waiting for the Sun, 1968).
Yes, maybe my point about the majority of people being inclined to reach out to their neighbours is a projection of mine - or at least a questionable assumption.
And if it were true, why is society still so degraded? Fair point. Possibly the policy of "divide-and-rule" enacted by our Lords and Masters over so many centuries has been so successful for them, that we the people don't even realise how divided we are, and we still believe 'we-the-people' are an item of solidarity, are 'united' - when we're not.
"Accepting our condition as it is" -- do you mean individually, or humanity as a whole, or both. The reason I ask is because if it is 'humanity as whole', I'm not sure what our condition is, except it seems to be one of enslavement at one level (or mind-set), but free at another (higher) level (or higher mind-set).
But I agree, acceptance of 'our' situation is always the first step towards change. And if one accepts thatone has had some influence on the situation we're in, then we have the power to change our experience 'our condition', even if material conditions remain the same. "I am not a victim of the world I see" (ACIM - A Course in Miracles - Lesson:31)
such a powerful poem! The "cold darkness" and the "falling logs" -- a profound sense of loss, reminding us that loss is an inevitable yet intrinsic part of our human journey. The way it captures the stark transition from the brightness of summer to the heaviness of winter beautifully illustrates how change can bring both sorrow and reflection. It resonates deeply, encouraging us to embrace the cycles of life, even when they feel challenging.
I woke up this morning and noticed the sun was barely up and it was 8 am. Being retired and not having to punch a clock anymore makes me notice the sun. I would get up with the alarm, shower, coffee, breakfast and out the door to a warehouse with cubicles and artificial light. Time change.
Retired for twenty-five years (health issues). I always wake with the first light, so in the winter I get to sleep in!
The morning light is the best light, for body mind and soul.
This is Baudelaire's famous poem about humanity's lack of concern for fellow humans and for the planet we inhabit. I think Baudelaire is saying that if we don't change soon, the spark of light, warmth and kindness will go out in us, and humanity will become a dark failed entity.
It was quite a long time ago when he wrote this. But who can honestly say - looking at the warring world around us now - that things have gotten any better? Who can honestly say that we are not busier than ever nailing our own vast coffin tightly shut?
I agree. So much turmoil around the world, but we have politicians, warmongers, leaders of nations to thank for that.
I like to think that at ground level we have (mostly)individually, and as as a society, become more tolerant, aware, reflective and kinder.
We cannot heal the world, I've but learned that, but we can make our own bit of it a nicer place to inhabit. Our reach is short but that's about the best we can do, with the hope that our positivity, compassion and decency is infectious.
If everyone reached out with decency to their neighbour, which most people are inclined to do, then hope for real change will grow, and then happen. "They got the guns but we got the numbers ... C'mon ... " (Jim Morrison, The Doors. Song: "Five to One". Album "Waiting for the Sun, 1968).
Yes, maybe my point about the majority of people being inclined to reach out to their neighbours is a projection of mine - or at least a questionable assumption.
And if it were true, why is society still so degraded? Fair point. Possibly the policy of "divide-and-rule" enacted by our Lords and Masters over so many centuries has been so successful for them, that we the people don't even realise how divided we are, and we still believe 'we-the-people' are an item of solidarity, are 'united' - when we're not.
"Accepting our condition as it is" -- do you mean individually, or humanity as a whole, or both. The reason I ask is because if it is 'humanity as whole', I'm not sure what our condition is, except it seems to be one of enslavement at one level (or mind-set), but free at another (higher) level (or higher mind-set).
But I agree, acceptance of 'our' situation is always the first step towards change. And if one accepts thatone has had some influence on the situation we're in, then we have the power to change our experience 'our condition', even if material conditions remain the same. "I am not a victim of the world I see" (ACIM - A Course in Miracles - Lesson:31)
Interesting observations and well said…you made me consider the poem differently , thanks 🙏🏻
i love this poem, for all reasons. and take great delight in being one of the rare birds that adores winter. bring it on!
My sentiments exactly. I'm not sure I should thank you for this one. At lease Baudelaire had opium to get hime through.
Very enjoyable poem
You should move to sunny Queensland no snow, still use firewood for chilly night about 2 months of winter but the days are glorious
I like autumn in Louisiana....all three days of it
https://pisarev.substack.com/p/kaleidoscope-of-life?r=47ypvv
beeeeeautiful....
Amazing pic btw
Par excellence as always, Baudelaire. Par excellence.
such a powerful poem! The "cold darkness" and the "falling logs" -- a profound sense of loss, reminding us that loss is an inevitable yet intrinsic part of our human journey. The way it captures the stark transition from the brightness of summer to the heaviness of winter beautifully illustrates how change can bring both sorrow and reflection. It resonates deeply, encouraging us to embrace the cycles of life, even when they feel challenging.
winter
someone doesn't like winter
, but I like it
the cold does not cool my blood
, the winter blizzard runs faster in me and the cold
invigorates my mind and body
by pouring vodka into a glass and looking at the hearth
, I remember summer, the sea and the sunny beach
if there were no snow as white as fluff
, I would not lick snowflakes from your hot lips
and I would not walk with you along a snowy alley together
, but we will survive the cold and twilight