Bravo, Rebecca. This is so lovely and when you give the voices speech, all of your compassion for the voices (and thus the person/yourself) come forth.
Thanks, Jeremy. I'm so glad you picked up on my compassion for the "demons." Because even with all the pain this man is in, he is at least familiar with these voices, although they torment him. And the voices, these demons, were only doing what demons do. And those poor pigs!
This is so beautiful Rebecca. Your language and metaphors had me running through it. How powerful to reflect on your own struggles with mental illness and the associated stigma through this lens. I also love what you say about miracles, how what we really need is each other. 💚
Well, my friend, I think you know that I have little time for Christianity as it is generally taught. The history of most major religions is largely about the establishment and exercise of power and control, even when the original teachings contain wisdom and beauty.
Your poem, however, re-establishes the possibility of wisdom and beauty behind that very old story. It may or may not be what really happened - but it is surely the only version that gives the story value.
A person who would do that is a person who would inspire love - the kind of love we all need, more than ever.
Dave, I think there is so much beauty and truth to be had--it is the original low-hanging fruit. But in their attempts to make something official, the powers that be muck it up. It's like wanting to use Robert's Rules for a tree house club.
This is so tender and brave, Rebecca. I have always had a soft spot for Jesus. Extraordinary work, Rebecca. You made me feel in so many places with your words. ❤️❤️❤️
Rea, I think it's important to change our views on these things. I think the real, and useful, miracle, is the human connection and our power to heal each other.
This story always bothered me too. Like you said, the poor pigs. What did they every do to deserve such a fate? This retelling is much better on so many levels. Very well done.
Wow Rebecca, I will be revisiting this one for a while. I love seeing your empathy and the framework of modern mental health woven into this poem. This was powerful for me.
The miracle IS both the demons cast out and the relationship of love, as you come to at the end. I have also wondered why the pig farmers of the town had to suffer the financial loss for this man's freedom, but then I think: Isn't Jesus always challenging our value systems? People over profit?
I love this, Rebecca. I just disagree with the title.
Oh, beautiful. The power love, what we desperately need to heal this world. Thank you 🙏
Yes. I think so. Eventually we'll get there. (I hope)
Bravo, Rebecca. This is so lovely and when you give the voices speech, all of your compassion for the voices (and thus the person/yourself) come forth.
Simply beautiful. And so wise.
Thanks, Jeremy. I'm so glad you picked up on my compassion for the "demons." Because even with all the pain this man is in, he is at least familiar with these voices, although they torment him. And the voices, these demons, were only doing what demons do. And those poor pigs!
Absolutely. I saw that immediately (and wasn't surprised 😊). And yes, those poor pigs. We should always have compassion for the animals.
🩷🤝🏻🩷
This is so beautiful Rebecca. Your language and metaphors had me running through it. How powerful to reflect on your own struggles with mental illness and the associated stigma through this lens. I also love what you say about miracles, how what we really need is each other. 💚
Thanks, Alex. Maybe if we really took care of each other as Jesus seems to have said, then we'd get over this notion of miracles.
Deeply moving.
Rich both in words, imagery and the sentiment expressed; it overflows mercifully throughout the read.
“I am like this man,
this lost man,
his brain full of bees,
full of the relentless
swarms of voices.”
All of it, simply stunning!
Thanks, Allegra.
Well, my friend, I think you know that I have little time for Christianity as it is generally taught. The history of most major religions is largely about the establishment and exercise of power and control, even when the original teachings contain wisdom and beauty.
Your poem, however, re-establishes the possibility of wisdom and beauty behind that very old story. It may or may not be what really happened - but it is surely the only version that gives the story value.
A person who would do that is a person who would inspire love - the kind of love we all need, more than ever.
Best Wishes - Dave
Dave, I think there is so much beauty and truth to be had--it is the original low-hanging fruit. But in their attempts to make something official, the powers that be muck it up. It's like wanting to use Robert's Rules for a tree house club.
I love this so much.
Thanks, Tania. We must exchange stories sometime soon.
Incredibly powerful and moving, Rebecca. How it ends is key. As it should be. Love it.
Thanks, Richard. Are you back from your travels?
This is so tender and brave, Rebecca. I have always had a soft spot for Jesus. Extraordinary work, Rebecca. You made me feel in so many places with your words. ❤️❤️❤️
Thanks
I agree with your take on this, Rebecca. I think Jesus gave him love and understanding.
Rea, I think it's important to change our views on these things. I think the real, and useful, miracle, is the human connection and our power to heal each other.
True words!
Extraordinarily good!
Thanks, Ian.
This story always bothered me too. Like you said, the poor pigs. What did they every do to deserve such a fate? This retelling is much better on so many levels. Very well done.
I'm glad I'm improving upon the original. (he-he)
yes, now write one from the point of view of the pigs :)
What a great idea!
Oh Rebecca... I feel this story...this poem...I needed it...and that ending is how it should be....what a wonderful retelling...
Rajani, thank you.
I feel this deep in my bones. The imagery is so visceral.
It was a hard, hard time when I wrote it. Writing it healed some of the wound.
Wow Rebecca, I will be revisiting this one for a while. I love seeing your empathy and the framework of modern mental health woven into this poem. This was powerful for me.
Thanks so much, June.
The miracle IS both the demons cast out and the relationship of love, as you come to at the end. I have also wondered why the pig farmers of the town had to suffer the financial loss for this man's freedom, but then I think: Isn't Jesus always challenging our value systems? People over profit?
I love this, Rebecca. I just disagree with the title.
Thanks for reading, Rachel. And for commenting. It always means a lot.