“I learned to write” from the person who wrote “ring the bell that still can ring, forget your perfect offering….” You know the rest. I gave this poem to my mom as her body was being ravaged by cancer but her gentle eyes conveyed everything she couldn’t say. Her eyes were the bell and she let so much light in.
I suppose I COULD have (but not "very easily"). I didn't "take it on good faith" becasuse it didn't SOUND that way to me. but if the comment WAS made in innocent pedagogic fervour, then please convey for me to the donor that I appreciate the response (or will try to). Yours, almost chastened (I need another coffee!),, Gary Michael Dault
The more I read of Only Poems, the more I understand this poem is (in part) where the name of the journal came from. Your poets are so diverse, yet they have one thing in common. Their poems really are poems that only they could have written.
This line landed with a double meaning - “teaching” as taking up a career, as well as “a teaching” as a noun, the received wisdom of a sage or a tradition.
Hey Gary, we really value conversation here and want this space to feel welcoming for everyone. Candor is always appreciated, but I’ve noticed that many of your replies lean negative, and when directed at readers who are engaging sincerely, it can feel discouraging. In this case, your comment came across as dismissive of someone responding thoughtfully. Please keep interactions respectful — it makes a real difference in the kind of community we’re trying to build.
Many of my comments seem dismissive? Frankly, I think most of them are enthusiatic--you've often said so, If saying that "I hate being instructed" is 'negative" then I guess I mustn't write anythjng real here and uught to make certain I am always relentlessly "supportive." Maybe more blandness will do the trick?
I understand, Gary. I appreciate the passion you come here with. But I’m certain nobody was trying to instruct you. This is a function of social media — to allow conversation and add to it. You could’ve very easily taken it in good faith.
I find the strongest out of us humans, have learned to spill ourselves out into words. Mr Cohen is one such person with immense strength!
yes most certainly!❤️
“ Drugs or teaching” 😂😂😂
this is so bad
“I learned to write” from the person who wrote “ring the bell that still can ring, forget your perfect offering….” You know the rest. I gave this poem to my mom as her body was being ravaged by cancer but her gentle eyes conveyed everything she couldn’t say. Her eyes were the bell and she let so much light in.
Ah so beautiful, so moving, thank you for sharing this❤️
Sometimes the hardest times are the times to cherish the most. I was so blessed - grief and gratitude 🙏
Powerful!
https://open.substack.com/pub/gybemperor/p/all-i-touch?utm_source=share&utm_medium=android&r=3lnqop
Great post — thanks for this. If anyone wants a bit more practice, I wrote a short Substack note with a quick prompt and next steps you can try in 10 minutes: https://substack.com/@bilaal3/note/p-173166574?utm_source=notes-share-action&r=6gjehv
“on nights like this
by one like me.”
There are no other
nights like this,
no one like LC
I suppose I COULD have (but not "very easily"). I didn't "take it on good faith" becasuse it didn't SOUND that way to me. but if the comment WAS made in innocent pedagogic fervour, then please convey for me to the donor that I appreciate the response (or will try to). Yours, almost chastened (I need another coffee!),, Gary Michael Dault
I feel like Galileo muttering under his post-trial breath that "it turns ANYWAY." GMD
I really needed this. But I am a teacher 😂. Thank you ❤️
The more I read of Only Poems, the more I understand this poem is (in part) where the name of the journal came from. Your poets are so diverse, yet they have one thing in common. Their poems really are poems that only they could have written.
That’s astute, TR. in our book, that’s what makes a poet a poet!
No ending to his genius- hallelujah!
Leonard Cohen is always needed. RIP
My inspiration on dark days
One of my true heroes.
He did a good job of it too.
"I didnt turn to drugs or teaching" is wonderfully wicked.
This line landed with a double meaning - “teaching” as taking up a career, as well as “a teaching” as a noun, the received wisdom of a sage or a tradition.
Love this reading, Anastacia. “Teaching” as both career and creed—one more reason the line lands with such wicked precision.
Okay. But gawd I hate being instructed or whatever you're doing..
Hey Gary, we really value conversation here and want this space to feel welcoming for everyone. Candor is always appreciated, but I’ve noticed that many of your replies lean negative, and when directed at readers who are engaging sincerely, it can feel discouraging. In this case, your comment came across as dismissive of someone responding thoughtfully. Please keep interactions respectful — it makes a real difference in the kind of community we’re trying to build.
Many of my comments seem dismissive? Frankly, I think most of them are enthusiatic--you've often said so, If saying that "I hate being instructed" is 'negative" then I guess I mustn't write anythjng real here and uught to make certain I am always relentlessly "supportive." Maybe more blandness will do the trick?
I understand, Gary. I appreciate the passion you come here with. But I’m certain nobody was trying to instruct you. This is a function of social media — to allow conversation and add to it. You could’ve very easily taken it in good faith.