I think that stress you felt reading the first paragraph has held me most of my life. But, like you said, recently something lessened its hold on me too.
Brilliant, Latham. I know this poem’s feeling all too well, especially as I age. I simply must let go of the facade, the hopes, the expectations I built and never used. Why spend so much energy holding it together? The end gave me such relief too. And I love that you almost ironically mention the Tao. The greatest power is the power of being, not the power of doing.
Thank you Katie. We both know this poem's feeling too well. It's only gotten worse as I age (I hoped it would be getting better, but maybe I'm not aged enough yet). The play with the Tao, and the limbs in the Taj Mahal ended up being a little bit of joyful play that I hadn't planned but really made me smile. I'm glad you enjoyed them too.
"Today the thoughts let go of me, and the insecurities with them. I drop my shoulders and theories loosen their grip. My heartbeat slows, my voice softens, and the gold spires tarnish, then crumble, and return to ashes. I don’t will, don’t pray, don’t do anything. But in the nothing — I am."
Ooof I love this. It reminds me of my meditation practice. I recently had the realization that my mantra is part of what goes into my heart, and then it becomes part of me, and then eventually the mantra and I become one. Because we just are.
This was awesome, Latham. You have a uniquely enjoyable writing style and a way of writing that makes me feel like this was written specifically for me.
Thank you Jack. Though I wrote this specifically for me, I suspect (hope?) that many people at a similar point of questioning on their path might feel the same. I'm grateful you liked it.
This was wonderful. Reading that first paragraph was such a cathartic experience for me. As someone who always feels the pressure of what I'm not, and all of the things I'm not doing and may never do, you captured that restless rush of unfulfilled possibility perfectly, and then - "I shelved them in order - to be admired, to be remembered, because they were me." hits like the deep, savoured breath that slows everything down, that reconciles you back to the moment.
Nice finish -- very Buddhist.
Thank you Josh. It turned out very differently from what I thought I was writing. But I'm pleased with it (maybe even at peace 😊 with it)
Wonderful. The first paragraph stressed me out. By the end I exhaled and felt calm. Something lessened its hold on me.
Thank you Julie. It was a joy to write.
I think that stress you felt reading the first paragraph has held me most of my life. But, like you said, recently something lessened its hold on me too.
Brilliant, Latham. I know this poem’s feeling all too well, especially as I age. I simply must let go of the facade, the hopes, the expectations I built and never used. Why spend so much energy holding it together? The end gave me such relief too. And I love that you almost ironically mention the Tao. The greatest power is the power of being, not the power of doing.
Thank you Katie. We both know this poem's feeling too well. It's only gotten worse as I age (I hoped it would be getting better, but maybe I'm not aged enough yet). The play with the Tao, and the limbs in the Taj Mahal ended up being a little bit of joyful play that I hadn't planned but really made me smile. I'm glad you enjoyed them too.
Admittedly, mortality does start to take over at some point. I do have a different biological clock ticking away back there 😂
Beautiful Latham. The first paragraph especially hit me hard. So relatable.
Love the format of part essay, part poetry, totally you.
Thanks Tommy. I'm happy with how it turned out. It was a fun experiment, one that I'll likely continue with at points
Loved this.
"Today the thoughts let go of me, and the insecurities with them. I drop my shoulders and theories loosen their grip. My heartbeat slows, my voice softens, and the gold spires tarnish, then crumble, and return to ashes. I don’t will, don’t pray, don’t do anything. But in the nothing — I am."
Ooof I love this. It reminds me of my meditation practice. I recently had the realization that my mantra is part of what goes into my heart, and then it becomes part of me, and then eventually the mantra and I become one. Because we just are.
Beautiful reflection.
Thank you Camilo.
wow, i really enjoyed this.
Thank you Maria. I'm grateful you enjoyed it.
Really cool poem, Latham.
Thank you.
This was awesome, Latham. You have a uniquely enjoyable writing style and a way of writing that makes me feel like this was written specifically for me.
Thank you Jack. Though I wrote this specifically for me, I suspect (hope?) that many people at a similar point of questioning on their path might feel the same. I'm grateful you liked it.
This was wonderful. Reading that first paragraph was such a cathartic experience for me. As someone who always feels the pressure of what I'm not, and all of the things I'm not doing and may never do, you captured that restless rush of unfulfilled possibility perfectly, and then - "I shelved them in order - to be admired, to be remembered, because they were me." hits like the deep, savoured breath that slows everything down, that reconciles you back to the moment.
Thank you!