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Erkenntnis

Poet's Notes

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Author's Notes: "Erkenntnis," is a simple Quatrain poem that my wife, Ingrid, and I completed on June 22, 2017. Although this poem, with its particular German title, "Erkenntnis," is quite simple in its structure, word count, and appearance -- its true meaning at both an analytical and intuitive level is actually much more than it seems to be. Hence, these notes serve as a back-story to what is actually involved with this poem from both a philosophical and awareness perspective. "Erkenntnis," the lead word and title of this poem is actually a German noun, defined in English as a recognition, a realization or in some instances, as even a discovery, when used in certain German syntax structures. For the purposes of this poem, "Recognition" or "Realization" could be interchangeably used. When Ingrid and I discussed "Erkenntnis" in this instance, the simple word picture developed in this Quatrain was actually derived from the meditative meanings of these words when we approached them from a Zen Buddhism perspective of a traditional "Japanese Koan," as used in various meditative disciplines. With all of this said, the individual reader, of course, may certainly have his or her own viewpoint, notion, or idea of what the poem may mean, which is perfectly fine too and is actually intended!! Enuff said!! Enjoy the moment!! (Gary Bateman - June 23, 2017) (Quatrain)

Categories: allegory, imagination, introspection, journey, metaphor, spiritual, and symbolism.

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Freddie Robinson Jr.

Date: 11/22/2017 2:36:00 PM

I LOVE this poem, Gary! The precise brevity of vast cosmic truth distilled in this deep poem. Stillness ... the inertia of the void. A thought ... the kinetic motion of life blossoming. Manifestations from within. Knowledge ... the directed actions on aforementioned thought. Peace ... the desired result of said actions. A universal spiritual truth equation summed up expertly in this mental pulsar bright write. Another jewel from your fine pen. Love and best wishes for the holiday.

Gary Bateman
Date: 11/22/2017 3:47:00 PM

Thanks Dear Friend Freddie (aka: "The Poet Pac-Man)!! There was actually a lot of thought and discussion between my wife and I on this rather short Quatrain write, as should be evidenced by my author's notes/backstory. Becoming deeply immersed in both of the art and craft of poetry, for me, is a continuous out-of-the-box experience. Everything you've said Freddie in your comments makes complete sense to Ingrid and me. Have a Great Holiday Break!! Light, Love, and Best Wishes, Gary

Freddie Robinson Jr.
Date: 11/22/2017 2:38:00 PM

Btw ... I found the Poet Pac-man comment in your poem, "Radio Music." Ty for reminding me of who/what I am. An inside fastball shout out to ya, bruh. Love and peace always.

John Fleming

Date: 7/22/2017 6:57:00 PM

Enjoyed the Quatrain...and the Forward beforehand, Gary. I think your little verse pertains more to a philosophical insight rather than an inspiration for a poem; much of poetry is inspired by the act of observing or experiencing something first hand...though not always of course. Much food for thought here, Gary. My warmest regards to both of you! :) john

Gary Bateman
Date: 7/23/2017 10:26:00 AM

Hello John, Thanks for your read and observation here. I do tend to agree with you about the inspiration part; however, I've found over the long course of my writing and literary experience that philosophical and metaphysical topics among many others can and do tend to crossover and blend into poetic exposition. It's always a question on how one may approach themes of this nature. Thanks again for your read and insightful comments here on behalf of both Ingrid and me!! Our Warmest Regards too!! Gary

Heidi Sands

Date: 7/19/2017 11:06:00 AM

Perfect this is Gary. A favorite to go back to :)

Gary Bateman
Date: 7/21/2017 5:19:00 AM

Thanks Heidi very much!! Glad you liked this one!! Cheers and Best, Gary

Charlie Smith

Date: 7/14/2017 12:34:00 AM

In that exact order I would presume. Erkenntnis being the first line of the piece not just the title, or would it be the first two lines...

Gary Bateman
Date: 7/14/2017 6:13:00 AM

Hello Charlie, Thanks for your note. "Erkenntnis" is actually the title of this Quatrain. As I explained in the Author's Notes, this title word also functions, in a sense, as the lead word which is further amplified by following four verses of the poem. Ingrid and I actually approached this rather simple narrative from a selection of certain key words that present a basic meditative meaning. We viewed this poem as a thought-piece for readers to reflect on from their own perspectives. Best, Gary

M. L. Kiser

Date: 7/8/2017 9:38:00 PM

Wow! Beautifully done, Gary.

Gary Bateman
Date: 7/9/2017 9:03:00 AM

Hello ML!! I just commented on your "Nessie" poem. I'm very glad you liked this special write by Ingrid and me. Cheers and Best, Gary

Sharon Gulley

Date: 7/7/2017 9:55:00 AM

Just awesome. : )

Gary Bateman
Date: 7/7/2017 10:05:00 AM

Thanks Sharon. I shall drop by your site soon. I hope all is going well with your writing. Always much to do and much to say in poetic verse. Best Always, Gary

James Marshall Goff

Date: 7/2/2017 10:06:00 PM

From existential moment to philisophical conclusion...in just 5 words, great work both of you!

Gary Bateman
Date: 7/4/2017 2:29:00 AM

Thanks James, We both appreciate your comment here very much!! Best Always, Gary

Akkina Downing

Date: 6/24/2017 9:58:00 PM

Short yet beautiful. I love it! A peace that this trouble world need so badly... hugs :) Kina :)

Gary Bateman
Date: 6/25/2017 1:37:00 PM

Thanks Kina for dropping by and for your wonderful comment here. Our troubled world certainly need "Peace" more than ever!! Best Wishes from Ingrid me!! Gary

Dorian Petersen Potter

Date: 6/24/2017 11:30:00 AM

Hi there G and Ingrid!:))A very beautiful, peaceful and spiritual ,love poem, you've penned here my very dear friends Gary and Ingrid.Just awesome!Very beautifully written here in the Quatrain style.Thanks for your notes:)Outstanding little piece! Excellent collaboration!I enjoyed it !Golden pens!A 7 + + + to each !A Fav!Sending all my love n' prayers to you and Ingrid, as always:))Take very good care of each other always.All the best to you both G! Spill ink!!!:))Wishing you a very lovely weekend!In His light God bless you always!:)D

Gary Bateman
Date: 6/24/2017 4:27:00 PM

Hello D!! Thanks for taking a read here of our rather short Quatrain on "Erkenntnis." (And FAVEs are always greatly accepted!!) You're always most gracious with you comments and support!! I will be by your way in the near-term to check out your latest projects. I'm still doing stuff too in the Prose World. Never any writers' block on my end!! Spill Ink Always Dear One D!! Cheers and Best Wishes from Ingrid and me!! G!!

Anne-Lise Andresen

Date: 6/23/2017 8:07:00 PM

- Harmony and relaxation - With regards and a lovely weekend to you, Ingrid & Gary :) - hugs // Anne-Lise :)

Gary Bateman
Date: 6/24/2017 4:21:00 PM

Hello Anne-Lise, Our very same wishes to you for a wondrous weekend. Thanks for taking read of "Erkenntnis." I'll be in touch in the future. Best Always, Gary

Arthur Vaso

Date: 6/23/2017 4:04:00 PM

Short and sweet, loved the explanation!

Gary Bateman
Date: 6/24/2017 4:19:00 PM

Thanks Arthur for dropping by to read this special write by Ingrid and me. Sometimes the short ones have their own dimension of complexity. Best Weekend Wishes, Gary