And this, dear friend, is POETRY! You so often empty your heartfelt thoughts before your readers, trying perhaps in the most diplomatic ways (though sometimes with a hard nudge) to sit up, take notice, take head out sand or wherever else it is. In this you've selected groups and individuals, problems, actions and ignorance - much more of the latter. Too many suffer the lack of not just food but hope for something more than just opening eyes of a morning and finding life the same as every day past. Yhen, there are other words, other thoughts, about hungering for love, loving, for caring and more: '.. For the star-crossed lovers who drafted ~ equations of love on a tangential curve ~ whose equilibirum was interred ~ half a continent away. For those ~ who hold out for soul mates ~
and the perfection of a desire ~ that this time, will not hurt.'
A brilliance of words and thoughs, my dear friend.
Posted 11 Years Ago
2 of 2 people found this review constructive.
11 Years Ago
Thank you, dear Emma, for such a thoughtful and beautiful review. There are many kinds of hunger, an.. read moreThank you, dear Emma, for such a thoughtful and beautiful review. There are many kinds of hunger, and many ways for a mind, body, heart or soul to be hungry. I think we all, at times, have something to offer the hungry child, pilgrim, friend, or fellow traveler. A blessing, a sandwich, our leftovers from dinner, a hand on a weary shoulder, a safe space to unburden a heavy heart.
As I wrote thus, I found myself thinking of Lucinda Williams ethereal song, "Blessed." My gift for you today is, go to YouTube and find her words. I think you will see yourself in them.
11 Years Ago
I will rush, to be reminded.. thank you. On wed had such a friend call, Noddy his name, late sixtie.. read moreI will rush, to be reminded.. thank you. On wed had such a friend call, Noddy his name, late sixties, needed company - recieved that from my family and friends. Soon gone, long remembered, and then there'll be next year and, God willing, many more years. He used to call at our parents' home, again for company. Company? How is it, on this jammed packed planet of ours that someone has to search for company? Too many people like that. 'If you smile someone's way, you light a light .. ' - how easy is that!
11 Years Ago
very good question you ask. I recall being at a Pink Floyd concert, lights dimmed, listening to a st.. read morevery good question you ask. I recall being at a Pink Floyd concert, lights dimmed, listening to a stadium full of people singing along to "Wish You Were Here."Ten thousand people crowded together, singing about loneliness. Really makes you wonder. I am never so lonely as in a crowd of people who do not understand me; never so fulfilled as wandering my solitude on a mountaintop. I always thought the answer was to learn how to inhabit someone'e solitude quietly, without intruding. Adding to its depth, not masking it. But that seems to be a dying art.
11 Years Ago
Oh love.. I understand that loneliness whilst surrounded by people, and, agree how one can be truly .. read moreOh love.. I understand that loneliness whilst surrounded by people, and, agree how one can be truly contented when alone, especially outdoors, free as a bird! For me, being content with another person doesnt necessarily involve a non stop exchange of words, its more an almost oblivious awareness that talk isn't necessary - but sharing the same space is. Some folk need to be told they're loved time in, time out. The dying art is not thinking to say the same to someone else. Perhaps?
11 Years Ago
I know I am the space of a true friend when silence becomes a warm thing that envelops us like a sof.. read moreI know I am the space of a true friend when silence becomes a warm thing that envelops us like a soft blanket. We all need validation- some just need more than others. Usually the ones who have forgotten innner stillness, perhaps?
11 Years Ago
Yes, perhaps - probably. It's having that feeling that 'you' matter, you're not merely present but n.. read moreYes, perhaps - probably. It's having that feeling that 'you' matter, you're not merely present but needed to be present.. and vice versa. It must be 'vice versa' to be real, lasting. Surely?
Cultivating the art of true presence is, I think, the most profund gift we ever developed to give ea.. read moreCultivating the art of true presence is, I think, the most profund gift we ever developed to give each other. Not only "YOU matter" but that you matter so much I will create a space for you that your soul feels safe showing itself in my presence. You can be you, as deeply and honestly as you need to be.
"I want to know if you can sit with pain
mine or your own
without moving to hide it
or fade it
or fix it." -Oriah Mountain Dreamer
11 Years Ago
What happens is, what happened was, and neither can be erased, it's like each life's rolling stone. .. read moreWhat happens is, what happened was, and neither can be erased, it's like each life's rolling stone. When you find someone, be it friend or lover, you share the sum total, unspoken or otherwise, and, that makes for a very special space. Sometimes thoughts like that look like idealistic rubbish. But, realism so beautiful we can't want more and maybe if the will and heart's strong enough we can create the 'more'. Come to the conclusion, Rachael, that the more one's been hurt by years of whatever, the more one wants the light; being bitter or spiteful doesnt change whats happened. That special place might have the odd faint flaw but its yours and the other's ..Grief, doesnt this woman go on.. :)
11 Years Ago
"the more deeply that sorrow has carved into your being, the more joy it can contain." -K. Gibranread more"the more deeply that sorrow has carved into your being, the more joy it can contain." -K. Gibran
You find those people, the ones you describe, and you hold on with both hands and don't let go"
I am, the words I am . Well you are. Few of us take the time to lay bare and look inward . Then stand and share and listen . Thank you. Marie .
Posted 11 Years Ago
1 of 1 people found this review constructive.
11 Years Ago
Thank you, lee, for the reviews, and thank you for the kindness in this one. I do try to listen, to .. read moreThank you, lee, for the reviews, and thank you for the kindness in this one. I do try to listen, to see, to share. You are absolutely right. I don't see myself as that rare, but maybe, none of us ever do. I shoot for honesty. Is that enough, do you think?
For the woman...who sews her whispered heart's longings carefully into the quilt
that covers her lap, her smile deceptively serene, gripping needles in fists
so you cannot see her hands shaking.
These, with the entire last stanza, my favorite lines of this
"Ballad of the Heartbroken, Ode to Those Who Would Persevere."
Yours is the tender hand that wields the Hammer of Thor, my sweet friend,
as well as the Arrow of Artemis, the Balm of Chloe, and the Wisdom of Diana.
How fortunate am I to have made your acquaintance. You teach me more
every time I read you than forty years of writing have done!
Posted 11 Years Ago
2 of 2 people found this review constructive.
11 Years Ago
Mark, dear Mark. Miss you, my friend. We do so have to get together some time again. I am flattered .. read moreMark, dear Mark. Miss you, my friend. We do so have to get together some time again. I am flattered and humbeld by your words for my work. Yes, your alternative title fits the bil perfectly. But are we not all broken in some way? I remember hearing once, growing up, "It does not matter to God that you spilled the milk. What He wants to see is what you did afterwards."
Here's to you, my friend, for being one fo the great ones who never gave up. As we say here, "Salud!" and raise the glass on high.
Oh my, this is the most wonderful work I've read in awhile. I was lost, enthralled and swept away inside every piece of it, and felt as though certain parts were written especially for me. Wonderful, just wonderful work.
Posted 11 Years Ago
2 of 2 people found this review constructive.
11 Years Ago
Thanks, Kelli. It was tribute to many friends and observations, not just the 4 mentioned. You shoudl.. read moreThanks, Kelli. It was tribute to many friends and observations, not just the 4 mentioned. You shoudl see yourself in it, because you are there. It was meant as spoken word, to be rolling and sweeping in its delivery. I think sometimes we need to remember how special we really are.
11 Years Ago
Yes I do see myself a little in this, and I thank you:D
Holy! I sing hallelu! On this planet there are at least this many people who read and nod and slap their knee at this poem and hear the caged birds singing as I do. would I be able to give it 1000 I would be a happy soul.
Posted 11 Years Ago
2 of 2 people found this review constructive.
11 Years Ago
This is for all of us, Corset. Let's find some joy today, shall we?
11 Years Ago
Let's :) Thank you ,t's been sometime since I had a whole day.
seems a little uneven like yer borrowing from me ;) ...but really has a different feel than yer usual write...nevertheless...well done as always
Posted 11 Years Ago
1 of 1 people found this review constructive.
11 Years Ago
Thanks, gombeggar, I try with many different forms, and I borrow voices from all over. And there wil.. read moreThanks, gombeggar, I try with many different forms, and I borrow voices from all over. And there will always be part of you, with me, even in my head. How's that for a pensive pondering this morning?
11 Years Ago
me in yer head? u poor poor girl, u ...u sure u don't have heat stroke er sumpthin today?
Wow Marie, stunning and straight to the heart.. I know you say this is written for certain initialed individuals, but I find pieces of me, scattered throughout each stanza...Where I look for my hope and where I find it, who has taken my hand, loudly and softly, knowing or unknowingly, and shown me that I can really have my dreams... As long as I never give up. This is poetry to feed the soul. Beautiful.
Thank you so much, Horizon. Yes, 5 inviduals, including myself; unlikely allies who made a pact to h.. read moreThank you so much, Horizon. Yes, 5 inviduals, including myself; unlikely allies who made a pact to help each other weather some pretty nasty storms and stayed with each other after finding common ground. So for them, for the dialogue that inspired much that is here; but not about them. As you correctly surmise, so much more here. I wove pieces of many sources- conversations, my own life, news programs, radio shows, friends- into this. I like to think most people who struggle with something or who struggle to be something, would find some refuge here. Your review means so much. Again, thank you.
11 Years Ago
Ah yes, this one makes me sigh and feel starry eyed and I know it's not my imagination that I see ou.. read moreAh yes, this one makes me sigh and feel starry eyed and I know it's not my imagination that I see our other friends in here as well...
11 Years Ago
not your imagination at all... all was with purpose
there is always another hungry child, sometimes they seek compassion, adventure, knowledge, refuge, we are so much more than we pretend to be, those who rush in, and try and fail, and regroup and try again
i love these words, maybe i will embroider them on my heart
Posted 11 Years Ago
1 of 1 people found this review constructive.
11 Years Ago
Always a hungry child, and so few reaching hands out to them. And those of us who do, so often told .. read moreAlways a hungry child, and so few reaching hands out to them. And those of us who do, so often told we are inferior, we do not measure up, we have ulterior motives. Or whatever. The truth is, many US teachers do keep lunch food in their desks, as welll as small items of necessity. The ones who get up after falling, hard, are the ones who inspire us. Crossing paths with a single other person who has not given up hope; makes us believe that love is still out there. And so on. You are here; I took some extra care with your section. I'd say the way you walk through this world, these words are already embroidered in your soul's coat.
11 Years Ago
i have many lessons to learn as i walk my path . . . hoping though
11 Years Ago
as do I, dear poetess friend, and so glad our paths crossed
Marie, this is so beautifully written, like a hushed whisper across the world, naming and claiming each soul that ever existed and holding you arms out for them to gather and fold into you. I always enjoy your work and I have never been disappointed by anything I've read. Lovely, so lovely.
Posted 11 Years Ago
2 of 2 people found this review constructive.
11 Years Ago
Thank you, Lori, I wrote this for all those who struggle with something, who are full of questions a.. read moreThank you, Lori, I wrote this for all those who struggle with something, who are full of questions and not self-righteousness. That, I do belive, is most of us. We are all the same journey, so why not extend a hand, offer a hug?
11 Years Ago
I agree completely Marie.. I just wished more felt this way. Just think of the peace it would create.. read moreI agree completely Marie.. I just wished more felt this way. Just think of the peace it would create.
it is why I do what I do; why I have not given up.. humor and compassion and empathy are the only to.. read moreit is why I do what I do; why I have not given up.. humor and compassion and empathy are the only tools we haveto create a better world; unless you know of others?
11 Years Ago
Nothing that I can think of at the moment.. I think you've covered them pretty well. Just thankful t.. read moreNothing that I can think of at the moment.. I think you've covered them pretty well. Just thankful to have you around, doing what you are doing =)
11 Years Ago
Likewise to you, dear friend, for so much that you do that goes unnoticed.
And this, dear friend, is POETRY! You so often empty your heartfelt thoughts before your readers, trying perhaps in the most diplomatic ways (though sometimes with a hard nudge) to sit up, take notice, take head out sand or wherever else it is. In this you've selected groups and individuals, problems, actions and ignorance - much more of the latter. Too many suffer the lack of not just food but hope for something more than just opening eyes of a morning and finding life the same as every day past. Yhen, there are other words, other thoughts, about hungering for love, loving, for caring and more: '.. For the star-crossed lovers who drafted ~ equations of love on a tangential curve ~ whose equilibirum was interred ~ half a continent away. For those ~ who hold out for soul mates ~
and the perfection of a desire ~ that this time, will not hurt.'
A brilliance of words and thoughs, my dear friend.
Posted 11 Years Ago
2 of 2 people found this review constructive.
11 Years Ago
Thank you, dear Emma, for such a thoughtful and beautiful review. There are many kinds of hunger, an.. read moreThank you, dear Emma, for such a thoughtful and beautiful review. There are many kinds of hunger, and many ways for a mind, body, heart or soul to be hungry. I think we all, at times, have something to offer the hungry child, pilgrim, friend, or fellow traveler. A blessing, a sandwich, our leftovers from dinner, a hand on a weary shoulder, a safe space to unburden a heavy heart.
As I wrote thus, I found myself thinking of Lucinda Williams ethereal song, "Blessed." My gift for you today is, go to YouTube and find her words. I think you will see yourself in them.
11 Years Ago
I will rush, to be reminded.. thank you. On wed had such a friend call, Noddy his name, late sixtie.. read moreI will rush, to be reminded.. thank you. On wed had such a friend call, Noddy his name, late sixties, needed company - recieved that from my family and friends. Soon gone, long remembered, and then there'll be next year and, God willing, many more years. He used to call at our parents' home, again for company. Company? How is it, on this jammed packed planet of ours that someone has to search for company? Too many people like that. 'If you smile someone's way, you light a light .. ' - how easy is that!
11 Years Ago
very good question you ask. I recall being at a Pink Floyd concert, lights dimmed, listening to a st.. read morevery good question you ask. I recall being at a Pink Floyd concert, lights dimmed, listening to a stadium full of people singing along to "Wish You Were Here."Ten thousand people crowded together, singing about loneliness. Really makes you wonder. I am never so lonely as in a crowd of people who do not understand me; never so fulfilled as wandering my solitude on a mountaintop. I always thought the answer was to learn how to inhabit someone'e solitude quietly, without intruding. Adding to its depth, not masking it. But that seems to be a dying art.
11 Years Ago
Oh love.. I understand that loneliness whilst surrounded by people, and, agree how one can be truly .. read moreOh love.. I understand that loneliness whilst surrounded by people, and, agree how one can be truly contented when alone, especially outdoors, free as a bird! For me, being content with another person doesnt necessarily involve a non stop exchange of words, its more an almost oblivious awareness that talk isn't necessary - but sharing the same space is. Some folk need to be told they're loved time in, time out. The dying art is not thinking to say the same to someone else. Perhaps?
11 Years Ago
I know I am the space of a true friend when silence becomes a warm thing that envelops us like a sof.. read moreI know I am the space of a true friend when silence becomes a warm thing that envelops us like a soft blanket. We all need validation- some just need more than others. Usually the ones who have forgotten innner stillness, perhaps?
11 Years Ago
Yes, perhaps - probably. It's having that feeling that 'you' matter, you're not merely present but n.. read moreYes, perhaps - probably. It's having that feeling that 'you' matter, you're not merely present but needed to be present.. and vice versa. It must be 'vice versa' to be real, lasting. Surely?
Cultivating the art of true presence is, I think, the most profund gift we ever developed to give ea.. read moreCultivating the art of true presence is, I think, the most profund gift we ever developed to give each other. Not only "YOU matter" but that you matter so much I will create a space for you that your soul feels safe showing itself in my presence. You can be you, as deeply and honestly as you need to be.
"I want to know if you can sit with pain
mine or your own
without moving to hide it
or fade it
or fix it." -Oriah Mountain Dreamer
11 Years Ago
What happens is, what happened was, and neither can be erased, it's like each life's rolling stone. .. read moreWhat happens is, what happened was, and neither can be erased, it's like each life's rolling stone. When you find someone, be it friend or lover, you share the sum total, unspoken or otherwise, and, that makes for a very special space. Sometimes thoughts like that look like idealistic rubbish. But, realism so beautiful we can't want more and maybe if the will and heart's strong enough we can create the 'more'. Come to the conclusion, Rachael, that the more one's been hurt by years of whatever, the more one wants the light; being bitter or spiteful doesnt change whats happened. That special place might have the odd faint flaw but its yours and the other's ..Grief, doesnt this woman go on.. :)
11 Years Ago
"the more deeply that sorrow has carved into your being, the more joy it can contain." -K. Gibranread more"the more deeply that sorrow has carved into your being, the more joy it can contain." -K. Gibran
You find those people, the ones you describe, and you hold on with both hands and don't let go"
Bilingual (English and Spanish) poet, essayist, novelist, grant writer, editor, and technical writer working in Central America.
"A poet's work is to name the unnameable, to point at frauds, to ta.. more..