Yesterday, after I posted a Vaclav Havel poem, It Is I Who Must Begin, I realized there was more than just the poem at play. Sam Intrator in Teaching with Fire, which he co-edited with Megan Scribner, commented in a section entitled Tending the Fire: “Poetry, by its capacity to touch the human soul and tap into the deepest wellsprings of our being, opens up opportunities for us to stay vital and alive” (p. 210).
As I reflected on yesterday’s poem and the role that poetry plays in my life, I realized poetry is a series of conversations. It is both an internal and external process. I turn in with each word, symbol, and term and ask “What does that mean in my life?” I also, in that internal conversation, hear the poet, who is present, through his or her words.
I sit
Book in lap
Each word, space, punctuation
Each has meaning
A personal truth
For each heard differently.
I listen closer
My body leans in
I don’t want to miss any essence
I hear a voice
As in the company of another
Is the poet here with me?
I wouldn’t know how to express it, but certain pieces just turn something over inside. They touch a place and then I know something’s occurred….told you I couldn’t express it! You did it well for yourself, though, Ivon! Have a lovely weekend!
I will and right back at you Yaz.
an intense appreciation. I wonder whether you listen to every poet… or to everyone in that way.
Probably not; not every poet or poem speaks to me with the same depth. It is a great question Shimon.
wish you a beautiful weekend,
many warm greetings,
Greetje
Enjoy your weekend as well.