213th Virtual Poetry Circle
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Welcome to the 213th Virtual Poetry Circle!
Remember, this is just for fun and is not meant to be stressful.
Keep in mind what Molly Peacock’s books suggested. Look at a line, a stanza, sentences, and images; describe what you like or don’t like; and offer an opinion. If you missed my review of her book, check it out here.
Also, sign up for the 2013 Dive Into Poetry Challenge because its simple; you only need to read 1 book of poetry. Check out the stops on the 2013 National Poetry Month Blog Tour and the 2012 National Poetry Month Blog Tour.
Today’s poem is from Robert Polito from Doubles:
What the Dead Know
Air here is like the water Of an aquarium that’s been lived in for a while—clear and still Beyond the rigors Of glass; appearing cold (and clear) as spring streams Fed by snow and ice, But unexpectedly warm to feel, and inviting; side-lit— A vitality of shadows Once you come into it, and long bars of light Burning like spots, Remarkable for the absence of dust in their sharp crossfires; Heavy, as crystal Is heavy, as if to move here would mean pushing against a force Palpable, and strong; Yet rich with prospects of life, comfortable With the idea of life, As if, put on its slide, every drop is stocked with wonders, Swarming, about to burst—
Beautiful in a way, One element sustaining another, our message brought home So that the living Might come to see. Harder to say that without them We are nothing— Water without air; or to speak of our isolation, Or our special loneliness; Or say as they look right through us, at their plants, Pictures, books, Windows, reflections, and blank white walls, That we need them, To orient ourselves and to tell us who we are; Or that with each look They are swimming to within our sights; or that we are always casting Wider and wider And that even now they are fighting to avoid our nets.
What do you think?