"Sometimes, in the house, she no longer felt at home. And in those moments she never imagined another house that would feel more attuned to her, less hostile. She understood that every house was a trap that would close around her. Chaos was not a sad or even frightening idea; it was the only thing … Continue reading Being In Times That Are Not Yours
Poem for Thought
This is a short excerpt from Lawrence Ferlinghetti's poem "What is Poetry?" "Poetry is the Unknown Guest in the house. Poetry is the Great Memory, every word a live metaphor. Poetry the eye of the heart, the heart of the mind. ... Poems are e-mails from the unknown beyond cyberspace. Poetry is the ultimate inner … Continue reading Poem for Thought
“Proper Study of Mankind is Man”
This famous line from the 18th-century English poet Alexander Pope's poem "An Essay on Man" is as captivating today as it was 300 years ago (especially if we mentally substitute 'man' with 'human'). Sometimes, when we fail to express our confused thoughts and feelings, we do what people have done for thousands of years - … Continue reading “Proper Study of Mankind is Man”
Who Am I? Poets Answer
Is there a question more perplexing than "who am I"? I am as close to myself as anyone could ever hope to get. The most intimate relationship, perfect unity and identity is "I". I am I. I = I. And yet, who is that "I" on either side of the equation? Who is behind the … Continue reading Who Am I? Poets Answer
Spreading the Word: Facing Ourselves
Today, I share with you a touching, relatable, and strangely compassionate little story captured in a short 7-minute animation film by the UK filmmaker Sam Gainsborough. It is called 'Facing it' and shows us what it would be like, if all our emotional experiences were clearly available to us (and others), visible on our faces. … Continue reading Spreading the Word: Facing Ourselves
Poetry as Philosophy for the Soul
What to do when you want to express yourself but your own words fail you? When that happens to me, I turn to poets. It is their gift to 'dress' in the right words all our confused thoughts and feelings, especially when the latter cannot seem to figure out which 'clothes to wear'. Poets are … Continue reading Poetry as Philosophy for the Soul
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