Wonderful poem and post Brian. Listening to some else's opinion of our work can be eye-opening and very helpful. Especially when it is someone we trust.
Brian, I hear this poem quietly noticing the tender human need for safety, for certainty. We're all born with this craving. But as we begin to question the status quo, we see how this reflexive need can limit our *deep enjoyment* of the Mystery, Love and Infinity of God. For me, it's been a humble awakening.
The more we learn, the more one sees the vast plain of Mystery opening ever-wider.
Sometimes we see this in learning other things: like how to parent our children, or how to be a true friend to our partners, how to practice our profession, to make our art--or how to let ourselves be unconditionally loved.
Did I misread your post? It’s a poem inside an essay about the creation of the poem, right? I think if that as auto-commentary. Odd word in common English. But some literatures are full of auto-commentary where the author of verse then writes an essay about the meaning of the verse.
Oh I understand now. I didn’t know that term. With poetry I like space between the poem and any “explanation”. I think poems can speak for themselves. That’s why I publish a poem first, then do a reflection a week (or 3) later…give a reader time to form their own feelings and thoughts. What do you think?
Very cool. People probably like it? My stuff is highly coded, so I’m torn. The auto commentary would certainly make it more accessible. But I wonder if it “leaks” energy that way.
Agreed. I think there is value in an authors explanation and value in a reader sitting with something that doesn’t make sense to them, until an insight comes. I think the latter is more valuable though…but not every reader wants the work of waiting 🙂
Wonderful poem and post Brian. Listening to some else's opinion of our work can be eye-opening and very helpful. Especially when it is someone we trust.
So true! Thanks for reading and sharing!
Brian, I hear this poem quietly noticing the tender human need for safety, for certainty. We're all born with this craving. But as we begin to question the status quo, we see how this reflexive need can limit our *deep enjoyment* of the Mystery, Love and Infinity of God. For me, it's been a humble awakening.
The more we learn, the more one sees the vast plain of Mystery opening ever-wider.
Sometimes we see this in learning other things: like how to parent our children, or how to be a true friend to our partners, how to practice our profession, to make our art--or how to let ourselves be unconditionally loved.
The question statement is an excellent concept!
To *not* know, but to rest in the unknowing.
That's the beauty of the practice. That's poetry.
So well said Ann. Thank you for your reflection on this reflection 😁
Sorry for the sermon 😬 I have so much respect for the questions.
Oh gosh, never apologize, I love reading what you share!
Did I misread your post? It’s a poem inside an essay about the creation of the poem, right? I think if that as auto-commentary. Odd word in common English. But some literatures are full of auto-commentary where the author of verse then writes an essay about the meaning of the verse.
Oh I understand now. I didn’t know that term. With poetry I like space between the poem and any “explanation”. I think poems can speak for themselves. That’s why I publish a poem first, then do a reflection a week (or 3) later…give a reader time to form their own feelings and thoughts. What do you think?
Very cool. People probably like it? My stuff is highly coded, so I’m torn. The auto commentary would certainly make it more accessible. But I wonder if it “leaks” energy that way.
Agreed. I think there is value in an authors explanation and value in a reader sitting with something that doesn’t make sense to them, until an insight comes. I think the latter is more valuable though…but not every reader wants the work of waiting 🙂
Thanks for the model and inspiration
Thanks for the chat. Hope to continue the poetry conversation with you further!
I’ve been wondering about auto-commentary for my work. How do you find it as a process and a product?
Hi! I’m not following the question, what do you mean by auto-commentary?