deepundergroundpoetry.com

Letters to a Young Poet VII

Sept 8, 2018

Ahavati
Boone, North Carolina

Dear T,

    I am answering you from a friend's lovely cabin in the blue ridge mountains this weekend.  While summer heat lingers,  there's also an undercurrent of autumn; an eddy of cleansing flowing down the mountain as water.  The local stands are bright with pumpkin and fresh harvest, canned jams and muscadine wine. Friends are gathering to break bread and celebrate the finale of summer. I adore the camaraderie of mountain people.  

     I am humbled by your message, and wish to convey my deepest gratitude toward your kind extension of expression on behalf of yourself and others. As an artist ( for I do consider poetry a form of art ) I understand your outrage, and need to speak out; however, I can assure you all is well, and there is no need for retaliation.  Though I am positive had I witnessed it happen to another I would undoubtedly feel the same as yourself.  

     Do not attempt to control situations, but, rather, absorb them so they flow through you.  Enjoy experiencing a range of emotions brought forth by various circumstances: light or dark.  To attempt to control is to resist; to resist is to submit to fear; to submit to fear is to relinquish Love.  Love is called to be bold as a lion yet gentle as a dove.  To stand in one's truth takes courage in the face of pride; to suffer injustice is to trust a means to an end will manifest.  

     To defend the truth is like a tiny ant defending an elephant; it is precious, but unnecessary.  Buddha once said that three things cannot long be hidden: the sun, moon, and truth.  That is because we all come home to truth, though not with anger or bitterness seeking revenge.  Instead, we smile and are grateful for one another's participation in our evolution.  

     How can there be justice without injustice?  Or truth without dishonesty?  Contrast is a necessary particle of the whole.  This, and this alone, is what we are here to experience.  So do not worry about me; release your anger into the atmosphere instead. Celebrate the process of growth as one of acceptance and peace.

     For in acceptance lieth peace. So please, no pitchforks or torches.  Tell the villagers if they wish to help, then write so we all have something to read and celebrate.  This is the way of the true Warrior.  

     I confess I am deeply moved over your comments regarding my series of letters, and am further humbled you included your own poetry in hopes I would address it as I have the others.  I will happily offer my heartfelt advice over your submissions as well as where I feel your future in poetry rests, not as a critique, but as intuitive guidance.

     Poetry is a channeled exchange between poet and muse when ego is put aside.  The words that set forth an avalanche of honest expression are those that shed a divine revelation within oneself.  It's a connection unlike any other.  

     You have a very gentle nature with words, as though you're sitting within the solitude of yourself observing that around you. Your sensual undertone shows a deep admiration for the feminine aspect of the world: the lovely skin of situations brushing up against your pen expel gratitude above the human arrogance demonstrated by so many writers.

     You do not write from a place of ego, but a place of innocent appreciation, as though you're of service to the muse rather than yourself.  This is delightfully refreshing and illuminating in the circle of writers we permeate.  

     Poetry is to be honored in all its ability to move readers to connect emotionally inside themselves first, to recognize a truth and gravitate toward that truth versus pushing it aside.  Some who desire to be writers never tap beyond their own ego to honor the sacred within  writers.

     Look at Bukowski, as brusk as he was, as brutally honest about lifestyle and words, he had a still small voice singing inside him in the form of a Bluebird, reminding him of who he was.  And he listened to that voice so he would never forget.

     I advise you to find that voice and let it remind you always of why you write.  Retain that truth throughout your life, and continue on your current path of gentle respect and appreciation of all things.  

     This, too, is the true way of the Warrior.

     Again, my appreciation for your beautiful sentiment of trust and faith in what I would have to say regarding your poetry.  You have taught me a great deal for which I am grateful.  But most of all, thank you ( as well as the others ) for caring.

    As always, I remain in humble gratitude,

    Ahavati


P.S. - I think you will agree it's best under current circumstances not to reveal your name publicly.  Perhaps at a later date we will be able to edit and include it.  That is the beauty of the digital age.  

#RainerMariaRilke
Author's Note
For the Letters to a Young Poet comp, though the sentiment is genuine.

https://deepundergroundpoetry.com/forum/competitions/read/10367/
All writing remains the property of the author. Don't use it for any purpose without their permission.
likes 7 reading list entries 6
comments 3 reads 998
Commenting Preference: 
The author encourages honest critique.

Latest Forum Discussions
SPEAKEASY
Today 3:20pm by Mstrmnd1923
SPEAKEASY
Today 1:45pm by Ahavati
SPEAKEASY
Today 1:39pm by nightbirdblue
COMPETITIONS
Today 1:05pm by Grace