I, poet
If I stand by my fireplace
before a gathering of friends
and start to speak
of life, the meaning of
of religion, the possibility of
of just about anything
they will listen for a bit
then speak themselves
when I become too much to bear
But
If I stand by my fireplace
before a gathering of friends
and start to read
a poem about
life, the meaning of
religion, the possibility of
or just about anything
they will listen to the end
and even later
in days or weeks
or months or years
tell me something
in return.
Such is not thought of
in the land of lotus eaters.
i’m glad you’ve written these.. really glad. “lotus eater”, too, is amazing on many levels.
first stanza, you probably meant a “gathering OF friends”, right?
Yes. Thanks for the heads up. I have had a house full of people this weekend. The feature was a poetry reading by most of the participants, some funny, some very serious and poignant. Some were in song form, others concrete mobiles. Lots of fun.
The lotus eaters series may go on for several more pieces. I have a large topic here, and one I want to think through. Thanks for the feedback.