53 Comments

This poem, Erik, is wonderful because it brings the reader into close contact with a real and authentic person - a person who has formulated a clear view of life - it's falsities, its beauties, its fleeting nature - and how best to live it. I particularly like the second stanza. I know it's good because I wish I had written it:

"To be alive is to caress destiny

with the hands of fate and

become worthy

of your vanishing breath

in the great adventure

of death."

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"The great adventure of DEATH?" This poem is indeed exquisite;

but I'd replace 'death' with "transcendence," or metamorphosis,

two actions that must occur to evade opposing forces: despair, defeat, and soul murder.

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“If you die before you die, you won't die when you die”

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I disagree. Life is all about learning how to die. And when you get there you will transcend that moment, if you are prepared for it. It is also one of the key teachings in Buddhism, ie, you cannot fully know life unless you see it from the perspective of the grave, then you will love it more. Finally, Erik has a nice rhyme going with breath and death. I like it very much as it is.

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Nov 10Liked by Poetic Outlaws

Wow, beautiful work 💗

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Nov 10Liked by Poetic Outlaws

YES! with every word, yes! The reminder I needed during this soul-trying time. Thank you, kathryn

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Nov 10Liked by Poetic Outlaws

A stunningly moving and beautiful ode to life. Thank you 💙

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Reminded me of Kabir's poem "The Time Before Death'. Life is now. "If you find nothing now, you will simply end up in an apartment in the city of Death".

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I promise to be radically present each time I walk my mile of shore which is the topic of my present poetic effort. Thanks for the challenge this Sunday Morning.

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Nov 10Liked by Poetic Outlaws

Boldly insightful into living in an actual breath and touch world, versus a synthetic two dimension cyber one.

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We breathe in life and breathe out poetry! Beautiful Eric.

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Nov 10Liked by Poetic Outlaws

Thank you for voicing my soul’s urge, my body’s desire. Your gift nourishes me.

Praise be!

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Stunningly beautiful.

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Nov 10Liked by Poetic Outlaws

"radically present" YES 🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆

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Nov 10Liked by Poetic Outlaws

I love this

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Nov 11Liked by Poetic Outlaws

Excellent, Erik. I read it a few times and will go back to it again. You have shared many important reminders with us about truly being alive. Thank you!

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Nov 11Liked by Poetic Outlaws

So moving and inspiring 🔥

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Nov 11Liked by Poetic Outlaws

Beautiful and invigorating, as well as crucial during these strange times.

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Nov 11Liked by Poetic Outlaws

Incredible. I want this framed on my wall. Where can I go to give you money for a framed version of this on my wall?

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