Saturday, January 21, 2023

Stoic Poetic Law Of Diminishing Returns

A Greek poet* and very 
Accomplished one at that, 
Once said poetry is 
Rooted in the human breath, 
And added—as an afterthought, 
Probably—what would we do if 
That breath should ever diminish? 
 
And in the same spirit elsewhere, 
Quoted another poet, a German** 
Well on his way to Elysium, 
Who asked what is the use 
Of poets in a mean-spirited time? 
 
I don’t know 
About you but as one 
Who has accomplished precious 
Little in a vast field overrun 
By well-meaning but unfortunate 
Unacknowledged go-getters 
Sinking in despair, I think 
 
We could all use a well-earned 
Breather and leave it at that, 
Buoyant and resting at last 
In those fertile, mythic, ever green 
Grasses waiting cross the river, 
The slightest distance just 
Over there
 
 

 

2 comments:

  1. This is a rare register for you, amigo. Expansive and sober(ing). I was going to ask where your asterisked references went, but I'm afraid I know....

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  2. Muchas gracias, amigo--whenever I find myself strapped for poetic currency, I set off for the nearest depository of musings, trying to find those poets who are rich in them and rip them off!!! Owing to my failing sight however, it's getting harder by the minute but I have no choice but to pursue them--have you no remembrance of the infamous Squint-eyed Kid? :)

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