Sunday, August 21, 2005

Materialization

How to say those things
which we have in our minds
that this is the season of change
and it is our lives
and no matter what we do
this today which seems so familiar
is really a slightly different
tomorrow which we dream of
or dread
the breath that is the breeze
is scuttling bits of paper
across the ground and we
follow them looking for some
larger meaning analyzing the broken
stick with the white grip like end
that was Excalibur in a better
moment but is now just
part of the morning trash
that swells the ground around
popular places like the little summer
house that is romantic in the dark
but rusting metal and empty bottles
sullen dregs in the dawn
and assures us that all is
exactly not what it isnt
and very not really as
it appears

21 comments:

angel-A said...

russell, i am so happy when i am the first to comment ;-)
it's like you were talking exclusively to me 8-D
will come later with more thoughtful comment.
good day!!!

angel-A said...

all is
exactly not what it isnt
and very not really as
it appears.

so true!
this poem rocks!

and no matter what we do
this today which seems so familiar
is really a slightly different
tomorrow which we dream of

i love this too.
i love all lines in this poem.

angel-A said...

thank you, Russell, you made my good night! it's 1:40a.m. and i am excited: it happens when i think of something and suddenly find a very intense image or a line or a poem that by one magical stroke
makes the existense so intense...
thanks! now i happily free the tribune for others 0;-D

Russell Ragsdale said...

Thanks my Angel! I'm glad you found this poem first and that there was magic for you here! Sweet and bright dreams, my Angel!

Sue hardy-Dawson said...

It is strange how our perception of things changes, I often invent a past for an object, particularly if its old, I used to spend hrs looking in the antique shop on the corner of the square while my mum shopped, just imagining what the pot dolls had seen. My favourite line is 'sullen dregs in the dawn'

Russell Ragsdale said...

Hi Sue! Glad this touched a personal note or brought back memories for you! I am aware that things carry an indiginous alter ego of sorts. They are not only what they seem. I think this is part of reality; perhaps it has a chamelon nature. This also has implications about pleasure and the human experience. Oops, I do get a bit carried away!

Sue hardy-Dawson said...

Where were you carried to and what was it like?

Patry Francis said...

This poem has great momentum.

Anonymous said...

i needed a poem like this today - the excalibur part is fabulous!

Russell Ragsdale said...

Sue, people like you and I often carry a lot of stuff along with ordinary objects, so that a stick or a pot doll has a much longer vista than it will for most folk. When I get carried away is when I try to explain that with words rather than poetry.

Russell Ragsdale said...

Thanks patry! When I pay good attention to the music of what I'm saying, I can sometimes get good harmony with the intellectual/spiritual content and that gives the feeling of movement you mention, I think. Thanks for the kind comments and I'm looking forward to reading some more of your wonderful poetry. Your poem about a suicide of a partner helped me with some images for a sestina I wrote, by the way, so double thanks!

Russell Ragsdale said...

Hi jpd! You are going through such a tough transition right now! It's a real honor to have been there for you with a poem. Perhaps I should have said a "completely useless" poem to go along with Eugenio Montale's idea but that you and I have had a meaningful moment together through this poem is, I guess why I disagree with him. Bear on with your endeavor! By persevering with what you imagine to be the furure you are creating a history (the past) that supports the beliefs you live for!

gulnaz said...

"this today which seems so familiar
is really a slightly different
tomorrow which we dream of
or dread"
those are my favorite lines. they ring so true. you write so well that i don't know quite how to appreciate or comment properly.

Russell Ragsdale said...

Gulnaz, when I read a really good poem I find that it has made me, for a moment of magic, a better, brighter, more aware person. I hope someday to write poetry that will be of some use to myelf and others like the great poems I so enjoy reading. Your wise and insightful observations always guide me in that way. For that I am deeply greatful! Thanks Gulnaz for your kindness and encouragement!

gulnaz said...

hey russell your poetry already touches your readers and with time you will only get better.
if you find my comments encouraging, then i'm really glad.

Russell Ragsdale said...

Thanks laura! I am 'connect the dots' kind of person as I am always trying to connect things to find out if there is a 'larger picture.' I'm glad you found this enjoyable and thanks for your kind comments!

Russell Ragsdale said...

Thanks Gulnaz, you are very kind!

Sue hardy-Dawson said...

I was only teasing Russel honest

Russell Ragsdale said...

Sue, you are as playful as a poemkitten!

Lorena said...

wow russell this is so beautiful. it resonated with me with every word. i love the fluidity of it. i enjoyed reading it aloud. very powerful.

Russell Ragsdale said...

Thank you lorena! Your poetry does the same for me! Thanks for the kind and encouraging words!