lapsang

Damn, nomoth. Just damn.

The contrast of voice, both controlled and vitriolic, holds life and death, hurt and a kind of numbness. The contrast is like a blade and is well suited to the essence of nature, the many arms of Shiva, both creating and destroying, giving in abundance and devouring everything too weak to keep moving. Exquisite is a word I wish I could use more often.

Thanks so much Daniel.

Yes and yes.

"only now
you can
seal my polythene,
seal my fungus body-bag"

To me, this is where the bulk of the poem is at. It speaks of the death of an individual and that regardless of human perception, Nature is the funeral home that tends to the remains whether it occurs in abustling city or forest.  

The prior stanza indicates an arrival at that conclusion.  

That's where the "being part, not apart" resonates with me.

Stanzas 2 thru 3, while leaving me with the impression of self harm and outward agression, feel disconnected from what follows.

The title and Stanza 1 don't get me anywhere.  

As always, beautiful photo. It leaves me with the impression of a buried casket below the trees.

I know, all these RLs and I'm being a buzzkill .......

Thanks Johnny and no worries lol.  

I kind of like my ambiguity, the authors note was in part a reassurance that this was not directed at anyone, as it wasn't.

Also this attempts to be a 'disconnect', a 'separation' poem not 'a part or' 'connection of things' piece, meaning like a photo negative, where the dark shows where the light should be -  thus a dark poem. i almost used a negative image for the visual.

1st stanza self harm, 2nd anger at mother nature...3rd not reading the signs 4th death of course. all negative to the light i hope.  maybe a bit of a vent as well, the idea that self harm/care is intrinsic with environment care, from addiction and escape to oil and resource rape in war and war trauma etc. i dont know..i could go on.

 Lapsang i chose as it is a coal black tea, echoing the visual,  meant to be drunk whilst reading this.  

Thanks again for the feedback you buzzkill you lol. i hope this is clear in a way.

Thank for explaining your premise, being such a good sport and taking my assessment in the manner it was intended, nomoth. Some people are timid about challenging the poet's vision,  creative license, and stuff like that. Not me. Others want to pat you on the head and give you a Milk Bone. Again, not me. I'm here to buzz, buzz, kill, kill. :)

LOL. its keeps em honest Johnny.

dearest Nomoth I really like the photo you chose
at first it mystified me in all honesty
but I have a an affinity for trees and even the darkness itself...

you're so right we are connected to everything
though at times we do things that seemingly disconnect us from the whole
this is full of deep reflective thought down the art you used to further convey a feeling...

great write ❤

Thank you Crimsin,

Your understanding of the dark and light is so cherished and loved.

so very appreciated

The "Author's Note" confirmed my suspicions from the initial impact-feel of the poem (coupled with the B&W photo) and your reply to JB clarified my guess-work. I think anger against Nature is somewhere deep in all of us and you captured it really well. Perhaps the anger stems from the love-hate of Nature - all powerful, a provider, and yet demands 'obedience' to the seasons and and acceptance of a cycle that includes death. Great poem.

Thank you so much Josh

A  big yes. Our humility is a failure, we need to learn again and again.

so appreciated again.

Just superb N...but like the nihilism of our postmodern world...most will not see the beauty in the oneness.
🙏 Harry

Thanks so much Harry.

yes, I agree and we treat with disdain those who have found harmony with their land and their being. this ignorance knows no bounds.

again, appreciated so very much.