43 Comments
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Ioana Danila Gongoroi's avatar

This is so beautiful.

"Ill-prepared for the privilege of living".

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Michael W. Droege's avatar

Deeply moved. This was my church - my sacrament - this morning.

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Marjorie Hobkirk's avatar

Uplifting beauty.

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Mary Engel's avatar

What a gem. Thank you.

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Rolando Andrade's avatar

i didn´t know her. But this poem made me want to read more

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Wendy Wheeler's avatar

Same!

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Scott Jordan's avatar

your character like a raincoat you button on the run —

the pitiful results of all this unexpectedness.

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Scott Jordan's avatar

I love these lines which are probably very universal but they resonate strongly for me.

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Maha's avatar
Oct 6Edited

Symborska’s words ALWAYS touch me in the deepest part of my being. She is among the most favorite poets that I can count on one hand.

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India Flint's avatar

This post reminds me to look for her book, lurking somewhere in my jumbled library . Thank you.

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Dian Parker's avatar

I adore Wislawa!

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Sue Cauhape's avatar

The description of her really rings true with me. She's the kind of poet I want to be: writing about the little dramas in the garden or stuff that happens between ordinary people. Nothing grand, but hopefully profound. Thank you for introducing her to me.

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Celia Lewis's avatar

Ohhh, the privilege of living... and the galaxies still turning. The images in my head, the feelings drawn from my memories. So strong soft and powerful all in one. Thank you so much for sharing her poem.

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Martin Kasmer's avatar

3 great Polish artists:

Wisława Szymborska for questions on paradox.

Czesław Miłosz for reflection on fate.

Zdzisław Beksiński for capturing dread.

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Fiona Gillespie's avatar

Wonderful!.. description of existential complexity.. ‘character like raincoat buttoned on the run’.

Thankyou for sharing!

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Lisa Bennett's avatar

I perform this one on open mics, when I first read it I knew I got to memorize it. It’s a beautiful lament.

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Wendy Wheeler's avatar

“And whatever I do will become forever what I’ve done.” So obviously simple, but it really impacted me this morning. Going to add her to my list of books to read. Thank you!

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Bob Tenaglio's avatar

Nothing highlights greatness like humility.

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