This is masterfully done. Really. And so very much exactly what we need right now. I struggle with Substack sometimes (it's my only social media) because of the endless scroll and the inevitable waste of time. But finding poems like this here is what keeps me coming back.
'stiff white cotton cocoons.' I feel nauseous on reading this, as in your poem makes me more aware, makes me feel shame, makes me want to go hug my kids right now.
A powerful message. It is the human condition, to wake up every morning with the certain knowledge that we, all of us, are going to die, though we do not know when. And we get up every day. And we go to sleep every night. And we wake up each morning and open our eyes. In this way, I think we are extraordinary. Because we can bear being alive. At all. And all of us poets, setting this message down in words. And sharing it. Sometimes I think humans don't deserve to live on this planet anymore we've mucked it up so horribly. Then I remember the terrible burden we all live with, and I think we deserve nothing but compassion. You poem reminds me of this, that we must radiate compassion into the world, and back to ourselves.
I feel that this poem would deserve a proper page to rest upon, a proper book to claim for home.
Such a nice thing to say 🙏. Maybe someday, though I am grateful that we have this little corner of the universe in which to be heard.
Yeah, it's good to be here!
Oh my goodness. We need poems like this.
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Powerful poem David. Cuts to the truth. It’s so easy to see and forget this is real, these are people….
Thank you, Brian. 🙏
This is masterfully done. Really. And so very much exactly what we need right now. I struggle with Substack sometimes (it's my only social media) because of the endless scroll and the inevitable waste of time. But finding poems like this here is what keeps me coming back.
Happy to have you here, Tara. Thanks so much for reading and commenting. 🙏
I like the way this reflects on internet habits. I often feel that way about substack too (even though I post poems there).
Yes it is no different on here. I suppose its hard to be mindful when the feed is designed to be consumed so fluidly.
This is so powerful, I love it!! Thank you
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'stiff white cotton cocoons.' I feel nauseous on reading this, as in your poem makes me more aware, makes me feel shame, makes me want to go hug my kids right now.
Yes i know and my heart sank as i wrote it.. tbh. But thats what it is.
Powerful writing for our times David. The images so arresting, confronting.
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This is so powerful, David. It builds through the poem. The ending stanzas are brilliant.
Thanks LeeAnn 🙏🙏
Very good David.
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Whoa, David! Profound. I dare someone to post a sweet little photo of their child holding their first day of school sign. Thank you for sharing! XO
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A powerful message. It is the human condition, to wake up every morning with the certain knowledge that we, all of us, are going to die, though we do not know when. And we get up every day. And we go to sleep every night. And we wake up each morning and open our eyes. In this way, I think we are extraordinary. Because we can bear being alive. At all. And all of us poets, setting this message down in words. And sharing it. Sometimes I think humans don't deserve to live on this planet anymore we've mucked it up so horribly. Then I remember the terrible burden we all live with, and I think we deserve nothing but compassion. You poem reminds me of this, that we must radiate compassion into the world, and back to ourselves.