Paradox We’re made local for a time, each of us a point on this sphere of billions and growing No number’s large enough to count all manifest things a cosmos full of jewels in Indra’s net opal garnet tourmaline each reflects the whole Caught when I forget I feel diminished fevered on this stardust we call earth Then remind myself— being local feels intimate but it’s not personal— life is birthing itself right out of itself again again again
"being local feels intimate but it's not personal" - I relate so much to the entire poem, that awareness that comes after we slow down and open consciousness deeper. Or when we are Caught, as you say. Beautifully said. Thank you.
Mare!! What a thoughtful and deep read! I am delighted you are here.
I have been a "student" of nonduality for 18 years (Rupert Spira), and within a different tradition, 37 years before that. Thank you for understanding my poem. It is clear from comments that some people did not. Simply not for them.
I so glad you liked it! However, I wrote this poem in 2020 (never had posted it) and only edited it recently. I can’t drive right now—on drugs for savage back pain. Care to visit me?
Tomorrow is best for me—morning (up very early, try to write a poem and be done by 9:00) tomorrow is going to be hot—I need to take Jazz on her 15 minute lunch walk no later than 10:30. On cooler days, I walk her at 11:30, but have to beware the temp of the pavement) you could walk with us, too! Come maybe at 9:30? 9:45? Chat, walk closer to the end of our visit? It’s a 15 min flat walk.
Your poem is a spiritual observing. I experienced something similar, a cosmic insight, when I was around 30 and had broken away from traditional religion. Breaking away from the only spiritual practice I had known was a process. I came to a deeper spirituality and desire to know very young, and my late twenties were significant in that. I have kept open since then and am drawn to "mysticism". I will find Robert Spira. (Did you receive my email?)
Didi, I love the paradox here—the way being one tiny, local point somehow becomes a way of belonging to something immeasurably larger. “Being local feels intimate but it’s not personal” stayed with me. Beautifully observed. ❤️
Thank you, Subhash! This is a very, very early poem of mine--written first in 2020. I guess I wrote my first poem as an adult in 1985, (age 40)--then none, didn't return to poems until ... thinking... about 2016 (age 71). At that time, they were coming very, very slowly. I didn't start writing poems every day until 2022. And then, absolutely no stopping!!
Didi, that makes the poem even more special to me. To write your first adult poem at 40, return to poetry at 71, and then arrive at writing a poem every day in 2022—that is quite a journey. I’m very glad you didn’t stop. ❤️
Oh yes, exactly so. This happened to me with Moudi Sbeity, James Crews, and Rosemerry Wahtola Trommer. Precious heart friends, fine poets. I finally met James and Rosemerry in person—such beautiful souls!—but I suppose there is less opportunity that will happen for us. So much physical distance! The internet, used in healing, loving ways, is the most amazing tool! Every day I pray it will not be taken from me.
Yes, Didi. ❤️ Physical distance is certainly real, but I think poetry has its own geography. Sometimes two people can be very far apart and still meet quite closely in words. I’m grateful the internet brought us across that distance. And I’m very glad our paths crossed here too.
"being local feels intimate but it's not personal" - I relate so much to the entire poem, that awareness that comes after we slow down and open consciousness deeper. Or when we are Caught, as you say. Beautifully said. Thank you.
Mare!! What a thoughtful and deep read! I am delighted you are here.
I have been a "student" of nonduality for 18 years (Rupert Spira), and within a different tradition, 37 years before that. Thank you for understanding my poem. It is clear from comments that some people did not. Simply not for them.
Interesting thoughts.
Thank you. If it made no sense to you, not to be concerned. Came from deep within my 55 years of spiritual practice.
Have a joy-filled day! And thank you for being here.
thanks for the reminder...we are all gems, unique and intimately connected.
Such a miracle, isn’t it Felice! I loved being with you yesterday – I hope you loved it as much as I.
Incredible! Thank you for this. So glad you're back writing poems! With love!
I so glad you liked it! However, I wrote this poem in 2020 (never had posted it) and only edited it recently. I can’t drive right now—on drugs for savage back pain. Care to visit me?
OK! Wondered how you are faring. So glad you feel up for company. I am free tomorrow or Tuesday after 11 am. What works for you?
Tomorrow is best for me—morning (up very early, try to write a poem and be done by 9:00) tomorrow is going to be hot—I need to take Jazz on her 15 minute lunch walk no later than 10:30. On cooler days, I walk her at 11:30, but have to beware the temp of the pavement) you could walk with us, too! Come maybe at 9:30? 9:45? Chat, walk closer to the end of our visit? It’s a 15 min flat walk.
Your poem is a spiritual observing. I experienced something similar, a cosmic insight, when I was around 30 and had broken away from traditional religion. Breaking away from the only spiritual practice I had known was a process. I came to a deeper spirituality and desire to know very young, and my late twenties were significant in that. I have kept open since then and am drawn to "mysticism". I will find Robert Spira. (Did you receive my email?)
RUPERT Spira. I do not see your email. Please send to amritaskyepoetry@gmail.com
I would love to hear from you. I'm moving rather quickly this morning--a party to get to.
(As quickly as an old woman with a very injured back can move! VERY carefully.)
i still haven’t received an email from you. I would very much like to be in contact either you in that way—things to share.
Didi, I love the paradox here—the way being one tiny, local point somehow becomes a way of belonging to something immeasurably larger. “Being local feels intimate but it’s not personal” stayed with me. Beautifully observed. ❤️
Thank you, Subhash! This is a very, very early poem of mine--written first in 2020. I guess I wrote my first poem as an adult in 1985, (age 40)--then none, didn't return to poems until ... thinking... about 2016 (age 71). At that time, they were coming very, very slowly. I didn't start writing poems every day until 2022. And then, absolutely no stopping!!
Didi, that makes the poem even more special to me. To write your first adult poem at 40, return to poetry at 71, and then arrive at writing a poem every day in 2022—that is quite a journey. I’m very glad you didn’t stop. ❤️
Me, too!
And me too, Didi. ❤️ I’m very glad our paths crossed here. Some connections arrive quietly, and then somehow become precious.
Oh yes, exactly so. This happened to me with Moudi Sbeity, James Crews, and Rosemerry Wahtola Trommer. Precious heart friends, fine poets. I finally met James and Rosemerry in person—such beautiful souls!—but I suppose there is less opportunity that will happen for us. So much physical distance! The internet, used in healing, loving ways, is the most amazing tool! Every day I pray it will not be taken from me.
Yes, Didi. ❤️ Physical distance is certainly real, but I think poetry has its own geography. Sometimes two people can be very far apart and still meet quite closely in words. I’m grateful the internet brought us across that distance. And I’m very glad our paths crossed here too.