O at the Edges

Musings on poetry, language, perception, numbers, food, and anything else that slips through the cracks.

Even the Darkness

Posted on May 6, 2018 by robert okaji

Even the Darkness

We must, she said,
open ourselves.

Like desert
to the night

sky, like a baby’s
mouth. Or words

in the unread book.
I nod, say

I understand, turn
and close the door.

Even the darkness
knows better.

25 thoughts on “Even the Darkness”

trE on May 5, 2018 at 7:27 am said:

“Even the darkness
knows better.”

In its wise and honest ways, it does. Is this a new piece, Robert? It’s perfect.

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- robert okaji on May 5, 2018 at 8:15 am said:
  
  Thanks, Tre. Yes, it’s new – the first draft emerged in December.
  
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  - trE on May 5, 2018 at 8:17 am said:
    
    You’re most welcome. Ahh, I see.
    
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Annie on May 5, 2018 at 7:31 am said:

The darkness always does. Just beautiful, Robert.

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- robert okaji on May 5, 2018 at 8:15 am said:
  
  Thank you, Annie. The darkness carries much wisdom.
  
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Cate on May 5, 2018 at 9:07 am said:

What a slender, sly slice of beauty!

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- robert okaji on May 5, 2018 at 9:49 am said:
  
  Thanks, Cate!
  
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Mawuli on May 5, 2018 at 11:16 am said:

Turn and open your door …

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- robert okaji on May 5, 2018 at 1:35 pm said:
  
  That too is an option.
  
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Hélène (Willow Poetry) on May 5, 2018 at 11:49 am said:

Wise poem. Wonder what will happen when you open the door once again? Surely it will another wise poem.

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- robert okaji on May 5, 2018 at 1:35 pm said:
  
  One can only hope…
  
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deborahbrasket on May 5, 2018 at 12:32 pm said:

Love the images here. Totally identify with “she.”

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- robert okaji on May 5, 2018 at 1:36 pm said:
  
  Thank you, Deborah!
  
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Jazz Jaeschke on May 5, 2018 at 2:26 pm said:

Good one … leaves me wondering if I really understand anything …

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- robert okaji on May 5, 2018 at 3:55 pm said:
  
  I live in a state of constant bewilderment.
  
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lisarey1990 on May 5, 2018 at 7:56 pm said:

Very beautiful.

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- robert okaji on May 5, 2018 at 9:00 pm said:
  
  Thank you!
  
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stephanielharper on May 5, 2018 at 8:19 pm said:

Either we open and risk what the darkness knows being seen, or we don’t open, and risk everything else. Not much of a choice for the living…

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- robert okaji on May 5, 2018 at 9:01 pm said:
  
  Fear can do strange things to us.
  
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ivor20 on May 5, 2018 at 10:28 pm said:

Even with the door open, I see the darkness. Bur your words show there’s a way.

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- robert okaji on May 6, 2018 at 7:47 am said:
  
  A good lantern also helps. 🙂
  
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thesesongsihavebeengiven on May 9, 2018 at 2:32 pm said:

I really liked this poem. Good to make a connection with you. Best wishes, Michael

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- robert okaji on May 9, 2018 at 2:58 pm said:
  
  Thanks very much, Michael!
  
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penncosect24 on June 8, 2018 at 5:47 am said:

Beautiful — and reflective. Sometimes the fewest words say a great deal. Thank you!

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- robert okaji on June 8, 2018 at 7:28 am said:
  
  I, too, often find that less is more. Thank you, Allyson.
  
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