These two pieces were written about a dozen years ago. Unlike most of what I write, they emerged quickly and whole, appearing on the page then almost as they do now in Eclectica. Not trusting the ease with which they’d slipped into existence, I set them aside, intending to return to them with a new eye at some point. A few months ago, while digging through a pile of fragments and unfinished pieces, mostly crap, I must admit, these popped up. They’re okay, I thought. Better than I remember. So I dusted them off and released them into the world.
http://www.eclectica.org/v18n3/okaji.html
If you have the time, you might read poetry editor Jen Finstrom’s section in “From the Editors.” http://www.eclectica.org/v18n3/editors.html She discusses her selection process, how the work in each issue seems to find a common thread – perhaps an image, or theme – and that she looks for these connections. Oddly enough, in this issue, two poems bear the same title, “Memorial Day.” One of them is mine.
O at the Edges 
I’m so glad I’ll have some time to catch up reading your works today, Robert. I have missed a ‘shutter’ I think, lately. I loved reading “Threes” and “Memorial Day”–“and all you know for certain/
is that you don’t know.” I love the circular Socretean-ness of that idea, and the “dream of dogs” from which ‘she’ wakes the ‘you’ in the poem. As odd as it probably sounds, I’m glad some brave people in the world grasp at the darkness, if only to shed light (like Diogenes!) for the rest of us.
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Thanks, Leigh. Light doesn’t exist without darkness (another circle, I suppose). By the way, I do so like the idea of “tempering” words rather than taming them!
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I’ve posted 7 Shutters poems. Will probably do another next week, sometime.
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Both of these certainly speak to the certainty of the randomness of life – inner and outer. ” the continued, inelegant fate that declares us human.” Maybe not so much fate but the unnoticed passing of the mundane. Both poems haunting and lovely.
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Thank you Susan. I celebrate the mundane!
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Threes is a wonderful poem! It flows with a beautiful ease.
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I wish more of my writing came so easily. Alas, I’m a plodder, one short phrase followed by a few words. Sometimes they fit together. Sometimes they sit in a drawer until consigned to their fate.
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I know what you mean. Sometimes we create magic and other times were not too sure what we’ve created.
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Beautiful and elegant poetry from the world’s worst mandolin player! 😛 Sorry, Robert…I couldn’t resist!
Ron
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I believe that I’ve risen above that distinction. But I may not have yet picked my out of the bottom ten.
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World’s worst mandolin player? Add to that first poet to make a villain out of a hummingbird. You are hereby in extremely rarefied air, sir. Loved “Memorial Day,” too, and the way it tumbles along to the last line.
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I aspire to mediocrity! Someday my clumsy fingers and tin ear will take me there.
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Perhaps a clip of you reading one of your poems, accompanied by your own mandolin playing, will put you over the top.
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I’m not certain that I should approach that top. My wife, upon hearing my suggestion that perhaps I could take up the banjo, had one word for me: divorce.
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Hi! I have nominated you for a WordPress Very Impressive Blog Award. If you are not interested in participating, that is fine—but perhaps you’ll get a few extra well-deserved readers just from the nomination as I posted your url on my WordPress site! (This is entirely different from the blog hop.) Go here for an explanation:
http://grieflessons.wordpress.com/2014/07/05/wordpress-blogger-award/
I always enjoy reading your blog! Judy
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Hi Judy,
Thanks so much for thinking of me, but I’ve elected to not accept awards for the blog. I do appreciate your thoughts and attention.
Best,
RO
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These poems were lovely, but far from lonely. 🙂
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They were well accompanied in their dark drawer for lo those many years.
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Very enjoyable and honest. I’m looking forward to reading more.
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“…it used to be so easy.”
Loved both of these. Can’t wait to read more.
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Wow! I really enjoyed these two poems and your thoughtful reflection on life and its randomness. It certainly seems that life serves up both the negative in threes! Look forward to you more of your musings.
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Thank you, Shery! I certainly would like to keep the negatives down to three at a time.
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Hi, Robert. Thanks for all your ‘likes’ on The Poet’s Resource – hope you’re finding it helpful. I’m still trying to find a theme that better serves the purpose – it’s not a very user-friendly resource at present, is it – hard to find things 😉 I’m so glad I visited your blog. I loved your pieces in ‘Eclectica’ – especially that last line in ‘Memorial Day’, which really resonates. Powerful stuff. I already tried to post this comment once, so fingers crossed it lets me leave the comment this time!
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Hi Rosie. Your blog has pointed out numerous outlets to me, for which I’m very grateful!
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I am so glad, Robert! 🙂 If you come across anything suitable, do share with me, so I can post it, won’t you?
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Certainly!
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Thank you! 🙂
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Two very beautiful poems! You manage to be profound at the same time as being poetic.
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Thanks very much.
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I absolutely love them. Sometimes they are perfect and you have to leave them alone. These two are perfect as they are. They flowed freely, you say? There is a reason for that. Don’t change a thing. We are most critical of ourselves.😊
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Thank you. Yes, they were written almost as they now appear, which is quite strange for me.
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