It often takes us decades before we dare to venture out onto our true path. Mine is now as a flaneur who sometimes writes but more often dreams to write more.
Speaking only, of course, for myself: my life is not binary-bound. I am not an either/or as much as I am a both/and. As Walt Whitman said, “I contain multitudes.” For example, after a courageous act, I have been known to cower in a corner, fearing the consequences. I am therefore, I guess, a courageous coward. Ha!
Hmmm. I have one soul but it is linked to countless others. I once dated a Brasilian (her spelling) woman originally from Lisbon, Portugal. She gave me book of poems by Pessoa. Twas fantastic. With basically two Portuguese speaking countries, is it a stretch to believe many write in a language with a wider reach?
"I have more souls than one" is a quote by Fernando Pessoa, one of the greatest poets of all times. Not easy for everyone. Read his 'English Poems' book. Despite his being Portuguese he wrote in English almost 100 % of his work.
I was raised in Japan until seven years old when we returned to the United States. I took two of my children and one of my grandchildren to Japan for a couple of weeks almost exactly two years ago. Haiku and the pentatonic scale are indelibly impressed on my soul.
The book of Disquiet means looking at myself in a mirror.If I may suggest you a poem that touched me when I first read it : “Elevation'‘ . Poems are freedom to poets. No metrics. Thanks for your kind answer.
The road less traveled.. The hero's journey. The spiritual path. The path of the outsider. These references seem to be fading in our culture... A reflection of a society that doesnt prioritize reflection or self discovery. Not a world I'd like to continue to partake in. But I will take my corner of hard earned, fiery, blissful existence and carry it around wherever I go..
This poem was utterly brilliant Erik. And insightful. And profound. And anarchic! Made my day and it’s barely 10am.
Reminded me of this quote from the French author Virginie Desplentes:
“Don’t delude yourself that a life lived with freedom and in search of experience will be free of damage. Punishments will arrive, but conformity is worse. That’s the whole concept of punk—not doing what you’re told.”
Good line that “success comes… by obeying
the subtle whisper of the soul
rather than the clamor
of the world.”
AMEN! Although tough at times, embracing the outcast within is so liberating! 💯
It often takes us decades before we dare to venture out onto our true path. Mine is now as a flaneur who sometimes writes but more often dreams to write more.
Killer lines:
"The soul needs fire, not ease."
"...the wisdom of the blood."
"...obeying the subtle whisper of the soul..."
Erik:
Bravo! You nailed it. One must be a wordsmith rebel, a poet-provocateur.
~ D. W. Orr Photo & Poetry
https://dworr.zenfolio.com/blog
A great share, Erik! Thank you.
Speaking only, of course, for myself: my life is not binary-bound. I am not an either/or as much as I am a both/and. As Walt Whitman said, “I contain multitudes.” For example, after a courageous act, I have been known to cower in a corner, fearing the consequences. I am therefore, I guess, a courageous coward. Ha!
Hmmm. I have one soul but it is linked to countless others. I once dated a Brasilian (her spelling) woman originally from Lisbon, Portugal. She gave me book of poems by Pessoa. Twas fantastic. With basically two Portuguese speaking countries, is it a stretch to believe many write in a language with a wider reach?
"I have more souls than one" is a quote by Fernando Pessoa, one of the greatest poets of all times. Not easy for everyone. Read his 'English Poems' book. Despite his being Portuguese he wrote in English almost 100 % of his work.
The Book of Disquiet
I was raised in Japan until seven years old when we returned to the United States. I took two of my children and one of my grandchildren to Japan for a couple of weeks almost exactly two years ago. Haiku and the pentatonic scale are indelibly impressed on my soul.
The book of Disquiet means looking at myself in a mirror.If I may suggest you a poem that touched me when I first read it : “Elevation'‘ . Poems are freedom to poets. No metrics. Thanks for your kind answer.
A haiku has metrics: 17 syllables in three lines of:
5
7
5
Japanese, of course. Always neat.
This is fantastic, Erik, thank you!
“wisdom of the blood” - priceless • Thanks so much.
The road less traveled.. The hero's journey. The spiritual path. The path of the outsider. These references seem to be fading in our culture... A reflection of a society that doesnt prioritize reflection or self discovery. Not a world I'd like to continue to partake in. But I will take my corner of hard earned, fiery, blissful existence and carry it around wherever I go..
This poem was utterly brilliant Erik. And insightful. And profound. And anarchic! Made my day and it’s barely 10am.
Reminded me of this quote from the French author Virginie Desplentes:
“Don’t delude yourself that a life lived with freedom and in search of experience will be free of damage. Punishments will arrive, but conformity is worse. That’s the whole concept of punk—not doing what you’re told.”
Wonderful Erik.
Yes! Choosing the path that is authentically oneself. I couldn’t agree more and said with eloquence. Thank you.
Happiness is a byproduct.
“the primal force that called us into existence”
Love this! The 'rebel' in me is in total accord. The creative dance of life that drives you to the final curtain