sun moon stars
what we call
the heavens
in sight
but out of reach
we so far below
standing in the mud
caused by our tears
Month: April 2017
distances
there are were
distances
miles years
stretched between
where I stand
and you
poem by Charles Reznikoff
Of course, we must die.
How else will the world be rid of
the old telephone numbers
we cannot forget.
The numbers
it would be foolish–
utterly useless—
to call.
After Someone’s Death by Tomas Tranströmer
Once there was a shock
which left behind a long pale glimmering comet’s tail.
It contains us. It makes TV pictures blurred.
It deposits itself as cold drops on the aerials.
You can still shuffle along on skis in the winter sun
among groves where last year’s leaves still hang.
They are like pages torn from old telephone directories–
the subscribers’ names are eaten up by the cold.
It is still beautiful to feel your heart throbbing.
But often the shadow feels more real than the body.
The samurai looks insignificant
beside his armour of black dragon scales.
translated by Robin Fulton
“When power corrupts, poetry cleanses.”
from Douglas Moore’s Art of Quotation
“When power leads man toward arrogance, poetry reminds him of his limitations. When power narrows the area of man’s concern, poetry reminds him of the richness and diversity of existence. When power corrupts, poetry cleanses.”
— John F. Kennedy, president, senator, statesman, political figure
Don’t Come To Me With The Entire Truth by Olav H. Hauge
Don’t come to me with the entire truth.
Don’t bring the ocean if I feel thirsty,
nor heaven if I ask for light;
but bring a hint, some dew, a particle,
as birds carry only drops away from water,
and the wind a grain of salt.
translated by Robert Bly
Midwinter. Snow. by Olav H. Hauge
Midwinter. Snow.
I gave the birds a piece of bread.
And it didn’t affect my sleep.
translated by Robert Bly
my new website address
You cannot access with google yet (it’s still too new, I’m told) but you can by going directing to the link
Leonard Durso 