"Every atom in your body came from a star that exploded. And, the atoms in your left hand probably came from a different star than your right hand. It really is the most poetic thing I know about physics: You are all stardust." --Lawrence Kraus
"In any event, as regards the correlation between mind and body, we may note...that the poet will naturally tend to write about that which most deeply engrosses him--and nothing more deeply engrosses a man than his burdens, including those of a physical nature, such as disease. We win by capitalizing on our debts, by turning our liabilities into assets, by using our burdens as a basis of insight." --Kenneth Burke
"Forget your personal tragedy. We are all bitched from the start and you especially have to be hurt like hell before you can write seriously. But when you get the damned hurt use it--don't cheat with it. Be as faithful to it as a scientist--but don't think anything is of any importance because it happens to you or anyone belonging to you." --Hemingway
When we let ourselves feel fear, the discontent, the difficulties we have always avoided, our heart softens...allow ourselves to be touched by the pain of life...The knowledge that we can do this and survive helps us to awaken the greatness of our heart. With greatness of heart, we can sustain a presence in the midst of life's suffering...We can open to the world--its ten thousands joys and ten thousand sorrows.
***With wise understanding we ALLOW OURSELVES TO CONTAIN ALL THINGS, BOTH DARK AND LIGHT, AND WE COME TO SENSE OF PEACE...THE PEACE WE FIND IN THE HEART THAT HAS REJECTED NOTHING, THAT TOUCHES ALL THINGS WITH COMPASSION.
I like how you used the metaphors in the poem to convey the message of the poem.
i like how you examine the two sides….fire saves and kills…and this plays on out through your poem as well…the leaf cycles and your cycles beyond your sick body….intriguing piece…
Thank you very very much Brian!
You had me hooked with, “A leaf knows no direction…” Beautiful!
Cheers,
Mark Butkus
This has the gravitas of truth. You are almost disconnected from the self here, witnessing the changes wisely as cycles. Great imagery, loved this, and if I could, I’d hug all the PTSD out of you. Much love and kindness, Mosk
Pingback: Favorite Quotes « Writing Thru Complex PTSD