You're not alone, Ursula, in finding solace, comfort, encouragement,
challenge, strength, enlightenment, inspiration, immense amusement and
rilement (probably not a recognized word yet, give me time) through this
list. Also, let me say, lest you think me a romantic twit, it's a place to
find inanity, stultifying repetition, and aggravation enough to cause
thoughts of suicide. But they are the valleys that point to the heights. I
do deeply regret the schism that split off those conservative voices --
though hopelessly misguided in their thinking : ) they were on the whole
very intelligent and challenging voices. As long as one has no illusions of
converting another, diversity of opinion is always beneficial to one's own
thinking, I believe. I like knowing that John Wager fought in Vietnam and
believed in what he was doing and makes no apologies for it. It's never
made me waver in my outrage at the war, but it broadens me to have to
account for his experiences and thoughts. I respect him for his courage and
forthrightness and service to us all as he saw himself called upon to do.
Though I've always "sympathized" with those who were sucked up into that
war, I don't think I'd have the appreciation for what many must have thought
were it not for John's relevant posts. I point to him only as
representative of many who've made me think beyond my prejudices in many
regards. Also I like it that non-professionals like myself feel free and
secure enough to submit their poetry to the list as the spirit moves them.
I've always been demosic (my word) when it comes to art. Perhaps this list
is just a very, very long winded free-verse poem about us all. Or maybe an
ancient Greek play. Yes, I like that notion. We're all the Greek plays
jammed together. The chorus is hopelessly lost. There are times I need to
free myself from the list to attend to my writing -- but I always have to
come back. I thank you all.
Mike Geary Memphis
What are we doing here? Who are we? How did we find each other? Why do we find each other interesting? A few glasses of red wine in (early, I know, but there was a gallery opening this afternoon) and I want to ask existential questions. I have known/heard/listened to some of you longer than people in my day to day life. But I wouldn't have it any other way. Each morning I check to see what you've concerned yourselves with. I keep your poetry to reread on dark days. Your names are magic in my mouth. You are blessed company. And I thank you for enriching my life.
Ursula
in faraway North Bay...
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