There is an acceptance of the linearity of reality in the form, and the circularity of the real in the content. I love how it acknowledges jouissance as effortlessly.
On a more personal note, I wish you, your father, and your entire family health and prosperity.
Thanks, dear friend. I hope you are well. I am ashamed to be an American right now.
Thanks for your comments on this poem. Your use of "jouissance" needs an explanation for me. I think I know what you mean, that life is both pleasure and pain, but I'm not sure?
Wow. I'm going to have to return to this when I'm ready to fully lament and process the death of my father (with whom I had a challenging relationship) in 2023.
I too have a challenging relationship with my father. Or I thought I did. It doesn't feel that way now. Yesterday we played a game--my husband read out the artist of a country song and we guessed their most popular songs from a Billboard list of best country tunes of all time. So much fun. My favorite kind of game, and my father's too. And all this time, since I was 12 and our house burned down, I've never seen my father play a game. Nor have I heard him sing. I was 12. Yesterday I heard him sing--old and weak and gravely now, but still him.
I am speechless. I am nodding at David's comment... thank goodness there is poetry to organize these massive feelings ...like railings we can hold on to so that we keep standing. Sending hugs, Rebecca.
This is how Poetry shapes meaning in the world - making sense of the flood of emotion, channelling it to places where it can nourish us instead of drowning us; helping something new to grow....
Beautiful poem.
Thank you so much, Jane. And let me know if you'd like me to critique a poem.
Dear Rebecca,
There is an acceptance of the linearity of reality in the form, and the circularity of the real in the content. I love how it acknowledges jouissance as effortlessly.
On a more personal note, I wish you, your father, and your entire family health and prosperity.
Love,
Mahdi
Thanks, dear friend. I hope you are well. I am ashamed to be an American right now.
Thanks for your comments on this poem. Your use of "jouissance" needs an explanation for me. I think I know what you mean, that life is both pleasure and pain, but I'm not sure?
I mean it in the Lacanian sense, my friend.
Wow. I'm going to have to return to this when I'm ready to fully lament and process the death of my father (with whom I had a challenging relationship) in 2023.
I too have a challenging relationship with my father. Or I thought I did. It doesn't feel that way now. Yesterday we played a game--my husband read out the artist of a country song and we guessed their most popular songs from a Billboard list of best country tunes of all time. So much fun. My favorite kind of game, and my father's too. And all this time, since I was 12 and our house burned down, I've never seen my father play a game. Nor have I heard him sing. I was 12. Yesterday I heard him sing--old and weak and gravely now, but still him.
Beautiful. I love life's redemptive moments.
Your reflection on life, death, and the connection to the land is deeply moving.
Thank you. It is deeply felt these last few days.
For those of us who have already lost our parents, this poem feels like everything, such a balm, such a beautiful piece of your heart on the page. 🤍🤍🤍
Thank you so much. I'm glad it touched that tender place inside you, too.
So beautiful. Really resonates after speaking to my dad about after-death things last week.
Yes, Karla. When we finally get around to talking about these things, it's not so bad.
There is wisdom in the house of mourning as Ecclesiastes says, and here it is. May the God you’re unsure of comfort you❤️🩹
Thank you, Rachel.
This work is a thing of beauty, truth and eternity, Rebecca. Sending you so much love as you traverse these difficult days.
Thank you, Sarah. I'm so sorry that I missed the last session with Danielle. I really needed to see you guys. <3<3
I really felt this Rebecca. Yesterday was my dad’s first birthday since he passed and he has been heavily on my mind. Moving poem💕✨
I'm glad it resonated with you, Kristi. Thank you.
Heartbreaking and beautiful. Something lovely about the ring of fairy stones as well. Protection.
Yes. I hadn't thought of it that way before. <3<3
This is so beautiful
Thanks, Alix. <3
This is beautiful and sad and moving and deeply, deeply human.
Yes, Richard. Deeply human. Love to you.
That's such a brave way to talk about love, Rebecca. May you both be blessed.
Thanks, N.
Such a tangible love, the two of you talking. And the poem, talking. May the love be a blessing to you both.
Thank you so much, Trish. It does feel like that.
I am speechless. I am nodding at David's comment... thank goodness there is poetry to organize these massive feelings ...like railings we can hold on to so that we keep standing. Sending hugs, Rebecca.
Love to you, Rajani.
Friend Rebecca,
This is how Poetry shapes meaning in the world - making sense of the flood of emotion, channelling it to places where it can nourish us instead of drowning us; helping something new to grow....
Best Wishes - Dave
Oh, Dave. I have felt, discovered, a whole well of kindness inside me that I didn't know was there.
Oh Rebecca…
The rest of us could see it in you, all along…
Love from us
D & M