Notes About The Poem

Image source:  https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Introduce_Me_(1925)_-_1.jpg

Notes toward a definition of I

The difference between a finger and a thumb
is Shakespeare.  Anyone can dream
of a candle, but you’d better dodge your shadow,
because death, that great et cetera,
is the opposite of surreal.  If there were no thunder
there would be no mountains, so something like a snowflake
cannot be conferred:  it must be earned.
You will tell me that anyone can say this,
which is why I am saying it.  Your puzzlement
shows how well you understand.  It is important
to have someone to talk to
even if they can’t hear you.  You can polish a mirror
until you see your face, but it will not
be you, because meaning is created
when we are not looking, while the grass
grows, grows, grows.

That was an ode to Walt Whitman.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2025

Poem

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Poet has turned off commenting.


Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace