The Lock Down, San Francisco to Pittsburgh
The situation of the coming world police state...when she asked me, “and what are you doing about it?”...I felt challenged...I said, “what I was doing about it before...asking questions...talking to people," I thought...I didn’t say, though I thought it, “writing my poems.”...believing she wouldn’t accept or understand that as “doing something about it.”
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 10/01/2022 05:03AM by petersz.
Interesting contemplation Peter. I really like the simple way you bring out this feeling of wanting what you do to matter. Very universal and meaningful.
Coincidentally in synch with my recent wondering over the conflict of human beings and human doings. Are we the latter? The culture says the doings are what matter. But in healthier moments just being here is more important for me. I ask the question others like Joe Campbell have raised; Am I here to get it right or am I here for the experience?
Thanks
Steve
Pete, this sounds like more of a rant than a poem. I'm not a political animal, but here in the U.S. there are 2 changes I would make to the system immediately. That is: I would limit terms on the judicial and legislative branches of our government. The current system is out of touch with current trends and at the mercy of the power brokers.l
Les
Les:
'more of a rant than a poem' - are they mutually exclusive? I usually prefer to keep them away from each other, but that's not always possible. The rhythm of the piece decided for me that I could treat it as a poem, whatever its topos.
Steve:
'wanting what you do to matter' - isn't that always the case, even when it's futile?
do be do be do be do be do wah
that's the existentialist song
I do still feel making is doing, poesis is action.
cheers,
Peter
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 10/05/2022 05:31PM by petersz.
I'm sure I would consider much of Ginsberg's work rants also, and Whitman was ridiculed for his rants as well. So if critics complain about your style, you're probably in good company.
Les