This post had me at, “We are supposed to write poetry to keep the gods alive." I am grateful for the reminder why I always return to poetry as more than an art form, but a sacred act.
I also love how the poem plays with imagery, like the bowl cracking into two eggs - to get us out of our automatic thinking about every day things, and death.
Every morning I stretch even before leaving the bed. I follow this with my morning rituals, and before I begin to write, I pray. I ray, I breathe, and open myself to the miracles that lay ahead. This post wafted into my space, as if hot off the press, with a note from God, "please read this first"
Once again, I am not disappointed \. Great read. I did not know this poem, and as a late bloomer, 74 years old late bloomer, I did not know much about Jim Harrison. Many thanks
Thank you for a few things, but mostly Harrison. Knowing who an author is, isn't enough. Sometimes you have to be introduced proper. Your introductions are enlightening and inspiring
How on earth did he do it? There was something miraculous about his poetry. It did not come from here. Or did it? He said we are supposed to write poetry to keep the gods alive. He seemed very tuned to the spiritual realm, one of Yeats’ disheveled wandering stars.
It's been a week of death; I lost a good friend and we all celebrated her life, last Saturday. The article and poetry came to me, just at the right time. This is a great story and a wonderful bit of poetry; thank you for this.
"The over-examined life is also not worth living." My favourite quote by JH.
Undoubtedly my favourite poet and writer. His non-fiction is incredible. So much so, to me, I started developing "The Philosophy of Jim Harrison" - a personal project that compiles all his wisdom and perspective.
I love his food writing, so authentic, gluttonous, unapologetic. A man of many appetites, and really threw himself into his writing. Thanks for sharing this Erik.
Wonderful piece. Thank you! I came to Jim's work a bit late, but the upside is that I'm still discovering some of his poetry for the first time. He had such a knack for writing deep and profound poems that were simultaneously quite accessible—a model of how poetry should be (for me, anyway). 🙏☺️
Thank you for reviewing the history of Jim Harrison. I appreciate knowing what led him to put his feelings into words...words that have the power to awaken feelings in us.
This post had me at, “We are supposed to write poetry to keep the gods alive." I am grateful for the reminder why I always return to poetry as more than an art form, but a sacred act.
I also love how the poem plays with imagery, like the bowl cracking into two eggs - to get us out of our automatic thinking about every day things, and death.
https://tumbleweedwords.substack.com/p/the-other-side-poem
more poetry!
I was drawn in by the quote as well. What a great line.
Every morning I stretch even before leaving the bed. I follow this with my morning rituals, and before I begin to write, I pray. I ray, I breathe, and open myself to the miracles that lay ahead. This post wafted into my space, as if hot off the press, with a note from God, "please read this first"
Once again, I am not disappointed \. Great read. I did not know this poem, and as a late bloomer, 74 years old late bloomer, I did not know much about Jim Harrison. Many thanks
Thank you for a few things, but mostly Harrison. Knowing who an author is, isn't enough. Sometimes you have to be introduced proper. Your introductions are enlightening and inspiring
Ah, Jim. He was my friend. I have a few funny memories that shall remain private.
Cigarettes, Gigondas, and
tall tales from the dark wood.
How on earth did he do it? There was something miraculous about his poetry. It did not come from here. Or did it? He said we are supposed to write poetry to keep the gods alive. He seemed very tuned to the spiritual realm, one of Yeats’ disheveled wandering stars.
It's been a week of death; I lost a good friend and we all celebrated her life, last Saturday. The article and poetry came to me, just at the right time. This is a great story and a wonderful bit of poetry; thank you for this.
"The over-examined life is also not worth living." My favourite quote by JH.
Undoubtedly my favourite poet and writer. His non-fiction is incredible. So much so, to me, I started developing "The Philosophy of Jim Harrison" - a personal project that compiles all his wisdom and perspective.
A man that lived life as well as it could be.
I love Legends of the Fall
Thanks for making the connection.
I love his food writing, so authentic, gluttonous, unapologetic. A man of many appetites, and really threw himself into his writing. Thanks for sharing this Erik.
Also, he died at his desk, writing a poem. If I'm not mistaken, the last words he wrote were "God's body."
"the water is cold
and deep, and the sun penetrates only so far"
Wonderful piece. Thank you! I came to Jim's work a bit late, but the upside is that I'm still discovering some of his poetry for the first time. He had such a knack for writing deep and profound poems that were simultaneously quite accessible—a model of how poetry should be (for me, anyway). 🙏☺️
Thank you for reviewing the history of Jim Harrison. I appreciate knowing what led him to put his feelings into words...words that have the power to awaken feelings in us.
The big trees have left the Upper Peninsula but the giant old stumps fill the void with magic.
https://tumbleweedwords.substack.com/p/the-other-side-poem
If by gods, Harrison was referring to them as ourselves? Then I concur.
that poem gave me hella chillz. Never interacted with Jim's work before. I feel very grateful to have stumbled upon this post. Thank you