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The Archaeology of Poetry

Writing a good poem Is like creating something exquisite Out of shards of random rubble. Inspiration is the mysterious impulse that moves a poet To articulate them into something wonderful. In other words, A poet is like an archaeologist, His poems are already inside him Like relics waiting to be dug up, Dusted off, And put on display.

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Christina Bowring

Date: 12/18/2023 10:16:00 AM

This is a great, well written poem Jim. Very clever. A poet’s mind is indeed an intriguing one and many treasures can be discovered. Really enjoyed it. Thank you for sharing. Blessings to you. :):)

Jim Slaughter
Date: 12/18/2023 10:23:00 AM

Thank you, Christina.

Robert Warlov

Date: 12/17/2023 12:53:00 AM

The Borneo Indians likened "Mind" to a cave. My understanding of "Mind" is that it is collective and cannot be separated from "The cultural mythos". "Random rubble", like echoes received from 'the cave wall', may impart the promise of some undiscovered treasure; a "Rosetta Stone" or maybe just "The fountain of youth". Poets are the primary moral-arbiters of civilization. Keep up the good work!

Robert Warlov
Date: 12/18/2023 12:06:00 PM

But you have to admit, we're usually the first to complain. ~ My pen name is not an 'omage to our literary forebears.

Jim Slaughter
Date: 12/18/2023 10:23:00 AM

Thanks, Robert, but I have to disagree with your last statement. At most, I think, perhaps, poets can only observe and comment. Being a "moral arbiter" is much too heavy a responsibility.

Deb M

Date: 12/16/2023 3:58:00 PM

Oh l really like this Jim…..love the way you explained poetry….Clever! Debx

Jim Slaughter
Date: 12/18/2023 10:21:00 AM

Thank you, Deb. Well, it was my vain attempt, at least.

Darlene De Beaulieu

Date: 12/16/2023 3:46:00 PM

Hello Jim You said this very well. It will be my fav. Merry Christmas. /Darlene/ Enjoy your evening.

Darlene De Beaulieu
Date: 12/19/2023 8:10:00 AM

Hello Jim, You are welcome. Happy holidays to you. /Darlene/

Jim Slaughter
Date: 12/18/2023 10:20:00 AM

Thanks so much, Darlene, and Happy Holidays to you, too.

Tom Woody

Date: 12/16/2023 1:39:00 PM

Nice illustration Jim. It is of interest how random words, when put together competently and poetically, can produce amazing results. A tribute to our Creator, who gave humans their marvelous brain

Jim Slaughter
Date: 12/18/2023 10:20:00 AM

Thanks, Tom...too bad He didn't teach them how to use it better.

Ilene Bauer

Date: 12/16/2023 12:35:00 PM

this is very cool, jim! i guess that's why so many poems are never found (or aren't dusted off sufficiently!)...

Jim Slaughter
Date: 12/18/2023 10:19:00 AM

Thanks, Ilene.

Robert Warlov
Date: 12/17/2023 1:14:00 AM

The process of achieving blinding sparkle if I may. A poem belongs to itself- its own truth. Careful how you strike the diamond's fissure or you ruin the stone.

Silent One

Date: 12/16/2023 11:22:00 AM

Interesting analogy Jim and I can see your point..

Jim Slaughter
Date: 12/18/2023 10:17:00 AM

Thank you, S O.