Thank you for articulating so much of what I think about. I do try to look forward as much as behind but I’m not sure I’m successful. And I try not to acknowledge the physical decline but that becomes harder with the passing of time. In particular, the last two lines are the crux of the matter, we do not wish to relinquish control. Thank you for sharing, Geoffrey.
David, thanks so much for taking the time to read my piece and to comment. I greatly appreciate that. And I appreciate that you have a special understanding of what I wrote about.
This poem, the cadence, the language, the authentic truth shining like that penny, reminds me so much of the Frost poem, Birches, also a beauty of a meditation on death. Good choice to narrate it. Your reading adds intimacy and reinforces the tension between the ordinary and the existential. I feel like that is the line Frost walked and you’re right there with him.
Michelle. I honestly don’t know what to say. Just … what an honor you have given me. Deep thanks for reading, and for leaving me such a glorious reaction, given in kindness and thought.
You’re welcome! It’s hard to make colloquial language poetic, but you’ve managed, and I think that is what really spoke to me… and reminded me of Frost.
I especially appreciate listening to this, hearing your voice in two ways. I hope we are given time to come to peace with death, our own coming death. That this may be part of the intended journey of our later years, to savor the aching sweetness of all life, of nature and to cherish it all the more.
This is a brave and beautiful exposition, often when these things are brought into the light they lose a little of their power. As a culture we hide this type of death away in hospitals and behind closed doors, which makes it all the more dreaded. I am scared of these things too...
It's not easy to cozy up to the thoughts, questions, fears surrounding death. Becoming a hawk sounds like a good outcome, but fiction. Diminishment haunts me too - thanks for admitting to the core, predetermined evolution through age to death.
It raises questions and just makes me think. This is a good thing. Maybe some priorities adjustment.
Thanks, Joe. I appreciate that you read ... and commented.
Be well.
gg
Thank you for articulating so much of what I think about. I do try to look forward as much as behind but I’m not sure I’m successful. And I try not to acknowledge the physical decline but that becomes harder with the passing of time. In particular, the last two lines are the crux of the matter, we do not wish to relinquish control. Thank you for sharing, Geoffrey.
David, thanks so much for taking the time to read my piece and to comment. I greatly appreciate that. And I appreciate that you have a special understanding of what I wrote about.
Be well. Keep movin'
gg
This poem, the cadence, the language, the authentic truth shining like that penny, reminds me so much of the Frost poem, Birches, also a beauty of a meditation on death. Good choice to narrate it. Your reading adds intimacy and reinforces the tension between the ordinary and the existential. I feel like that is the line Frost walked and you’re right there with him.
Michelle. I honestly don’t know what to say. Just … what an honor you have given me. Deep thanks for reading, and for leaving me such a glorious reaction, given in kindness and thought.
You’re welcome! It’s hard to make colloquial language poetic, but you’ve managed, and I think that is what really spoke to me… and reminded me of Frost.
Beautiful, brave piece. You took me so many places, all of them palpably genuine. Thank you for bringing this lovely writing out of your fears.
Thank you so much. I hesitated about sharing this, but my faith in this community has grown and has given me courage to share more personal writing.
So happy you read the piece and shared your reactions.
Peace,
gg
I especially appreciate listening to this, hearing your voice in two ways. I hope we are given time to come to peace with death, our own coming death. That this may be part of the intended journey of our later years, to savor the aching sweetness of all life, of nature and to cherish it all the more.
It is, I’m sure, part of our journey, to be resolved, of course.
Thanks so much for reading…and for commenting. Such an honor, really.
Be well.
gg
I turn 70 on the first day of June. There. I said it.
This is a brave and beautiful exposition, often when these things are brought into the light they lose a little of their power. As a culture we hide this type of death away in hospitals and behind closed doors, which makes it all the more dreaded. I am scared of these things too...
Thanks so much for your thoughts Bea. We do hide away death.
Well, now that explains so much about that character to me. Me thinks too that the gray May is working its black magic on you!
Profound, Geoffrey. Death is a subject that captivates me.
May as well start with something ever present, yet often unacknowledged.
Thanks, Bar Cohen.
And I so appreciate your having read it and commented.
Be well.
gg
True
high praise. thank you.
gg
It's not easy to cozy up to the thoughts, questions, fears surrounding death. Becoming a hawk sounds like a good outcome, but fiction. Diminishment haunts me too - thanks for admitting to the core, predetermined evolution through age to death.
Thanks JoAnna. I wasn't sure whether to start my 'Journal' series with this, but what the heck. Thanks so much for reading and for restacking.