Notes About The Poem

The Rocking Chair of Memories

a Zen philosophy states 
that all form is emptiness
yet it’s not
as all emptiness is form
but in essence not

Plato maintained that
its essence 
is in its purpose 
the idea of the chair 
preceded its existence 
the idea of the chair 
contains its purpose  

while the philosophers are bellyaching 
over whether one could and 
actually should 
fashion a chair out of an imaginary log
we have long ago 
carved a rocking chair 
out of treasured memories 
and apricate at leisure 
on the front porch of our own reality
Copyright © | Year Posted 2023

Poem

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Delaney Avatar
November 15, 2023 at 7:39 AM
Hi Suz: You rocked this one, literally. Inventiveness is an extension of the imagination and born out of need. I will try to tackle this wonderful Challenge BUT not quickly, as I am so tired from our 12 hour drive South for the Winter. Love the images- you always find such fascinating ones. Smooth rocking to you. Luv, SuZ
Delaney Avatar
November 16, 2023 at 4:51 AM
Yes,Su, It was 700 miles with a few quick stops along the way.
Richards Avatar
November 15, 2023 at 10:44 AM
I would love to see your interpretation of this prompt, Suzanne. Wow, that is a long drive - the distance must be great. Thank you for the compliment:) Have a nice evening. X Su
Dietrich Avatar
November 12, 2023 at 10:37 AM
Yep, this seals it. I can't even write well with unusual images let alone throwing in the metaphor part. You do it so well though. A nice example here.
Richards Avatar
November 12, 2023 at 6:09 PM
Thank you, Andrea. I think I take after my Grandma who had s saying for each occasion, often making up comparisons as she went along.
Ray Avatar
October 20, 2023 at 8:06 AM
and in quantum physics....not a functioning reality....great poem and i heartily agree....philosophers are panjandrums
Richards Avatar
October 20, 2023 at 8:38 AM
So true ...
Empress Avatar
October 17, 2023 at 12:00 AM
“Carved a rocking chair out of treasured memories “ love that! This is so deep and so intriguing. I always find rocking chairs so beautiful. And reminds me of childhood. Your opening lines are so clever! Your way of thinking is so profound! And i wonder what brought the rocking chair into existence? However it was a clever one. Loved reading you as always
Richards Avatar
October 17, 2023 at 3:51 AM
Thank you, Ink. My mind often wanders mysterious labyrinth ...
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