But here is one that I hope might have a longer duration: pay closer attention. The following poem by Ian Hamilton Finlay (1925-2006) provides a good start.
Green Waters
Green Waters
Blue Spray
Grayfish
Anna T
Karen B
Netta Croan
Constant Star
Daystar
Starwood
Starlit Waters
Moonlit Waters
Drift
Ian Hamilton Finlay, in The Bloodaxe Book of 20th Century Poetry (Edna Longley, editor) (2000).
Some Preliminary Definitions
Your life:
A collection of facts;
A succession of desires;
A whirl of thoughts.
Your death:
Abiding;
Unfathomable.
The world around you:
An intractable paradise.
sip
12 comments:
Richard Eurich - an artist due for a rediscovery, I think.
Where's the second poem from?
You're spot on about paying greater attention: anyone can do it and the effort required is not very great. It helps to have a guide, though, whether artist or poet... I often remember my grandmother, who made me look at things closely when I was very young - buds on a tree, a flower in the grass.
I like the idea of the world as an intractable paradise. Happy new year trying to make it more tractable.
Mr. Russell: as always, thank you for your thoughts.
I agree with you about Eurich. I only discovered his work a couple of years ago, and I am always pleasantly surprised by what I find. There is a great deal of variety in his work, isn't there?
Yes, that is one of the primary functions of art and poetry isn't it: helping us to pay attention. It is, as you say, ostensibly a simple thing to do, but difficult in practice. (Especially with all of the distractions around us.)
As for the source of the second poem: I'm afraid that it is something by yours truly. I was reluctant to post it, but I thought that it might fit with the subject of the post.
Best wishes for the New Year!
Happy New Year to you as well, Mr. Sigler.
As far as the world being intractable, I have, of course, no say in the matter. As for "trying to make it more tractable": I am not going to butt my head against that wall! I'm content to look on.
I thought the second poem must be yours - more, please!
I greatly appreciate your kind and encouraging words, Mr. Russell. This is the first time I have ventured into this territory, so I am not being coy when I say that I do not wish to try the patience and the good will of readers such as yourself. Perhaps quarterly or so (thinking of Larkin's quarterly "reproaches").
Thank you again!
Stephen,
Intractable indeed.
Happy New Year--may the coming year be a good one.
Fred: yes, intractable, but still paradise (now and then).
Best wishes for the New Year to you as well.
So "sip" is you? I thought it was the poet exhorting us to sip at life--akin to "gulp", only seemlier. (I am too literal-minded!)
I like your poem very much. What a lovely way to end the year. Thank you.
Kylie: yes, "sip" is me. I can see how it might be confusing. However, you may have improved the poem, come to think of it!
I greatly appreciate your kind words. As always, thank you very much for visiting. Best wishes for the coming year.
utterly delicious post in every way
Happy new year, Stephen
best
julie
Thank you, Julie. Best wishes for the New Year.
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