30 Comments
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Bruce Isaacson's avatar

One of the great poems of the 20th Century. Jeffers' book The Double Axe ruined his career as an establishment figure, but in the age of Trump, has greatly come true. Deserves reconsideration. Reveals what mankind is, collectively, at base. My opinion.

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Mr. Raven's avatar

Oh please spare me the Trump hatred, it is Biden who has involved "us" in wars in Ukraine, Israel, Yemen, Iraq, Syria, and soon to be Iran, he is a horrible neo-con war monger, how can you people not see that?

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Apalooo's avatar

I see it 100%. Biden is the plague and ruin of this country.

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Mr. Raven's avatar

By you people I meant Trump haters, not readers of this Substack, lol.

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Ted's avatar

Trump hater or Trump worshipper, this is indeed the "age of Trump".

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Mr. Raven's avatar

Only if you make it so in your mind be listening to too much corporate media.

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Maha's avatar

…corruption

Never has been compulsory,

when the cities lie at the monster's feet

there are left the mountains.

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Climber Diviner's avatar

Gripping use of metaphor.

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Zuu - Radio Free Amerika's avatar

Wow! Who is this poet.... thank you for revealing him to me, excuse my ignorance for not knowing him. This poem deserves many reads 📚 , so much wisdom to take in, so much depth.. it is not an easy read, yet once read many times, its wisdom is as apparent as daylight

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Jason Gorway's avatar

This Poem is ostensibly Universal, albeit more deeply personal at every new reading.

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Patris's avatar

He mourns his vision but also underlines the complexity of the ruin - I don’t find hopelessness here.

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Bruce Elkin's avatar

Thanks. Jeffers was the first poet that excited me and encouraged me to delve deeper into that realm. I hadn't seen this one but found it moving and meaningful.

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Mr. Raven's avatar

It's his best IMO.

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Gary Spangler's avatar

Thanks ever so much for this opportunity to hear of, and read, Robinson Jeffers. While I am by no means well read or anything close to a writer, my heart needs little prodding to recognize good writing. Powerful words.

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Susan Chitwood Barton's avatar

Wow. Gut slam at the end 😢

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Grimalkin's avatar

This poem speaks the truth. Our Republic has become a devouring monster that is groping towards Empire. Quit trying to con us, oh powers that be. Your path leads to chaos and destruction.

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Dian Parker's avatar

Marvelous, and so true.

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Joan Livingston's avatar

My favorite lines in this poem: I sadly smiling remember that the flower fades to make fruit,

the fruit rots to make earth.

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Paul DeLong's avatar

You pick 'em. I read 'em. You are doing a great job, Outlaw! Gracias!

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Stegiel's avatar

I just finished Jeffer's last book of poems.

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Mr. Raven's avatar

One of the great American poets, a true individual outside all movements and platitudes.

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Stegiel's avatar

Funny to say I have not visited Tor house. I love the coastal stretch to Big Sur and points South.

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Peter Parsons's avatar

Wonder what Robinson Jeffers was "REALLY LIKE"?

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Poetic Outlaws's avatar

There's beautifully written biography of Jeffers written by James Karman titled -- Robinson Jeffers: Poet and Prophet. Check it out. Jeffers was an amazing human, one of the greatest American poets.

https://amzn.to/3ubPder

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rKf's avatar

... ever wondered the impulse behind the meteor’s trajectory?

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