after James Arlington Wright
In the dark
behind me in my sober
thoughts – nothing but air
and memories – mine and mine
alone.
In the sanctuary burns
the light of poetic
muse who whispers
wind, gently urging
me to stand in the poet’s
place before the flame.
The light flows
through me changed,
bent,
refracted: I become
transparent.
A bit of backstory here: I encountered this incredible, indecipherable poem by poet James Wright entitled, “The Jewel.” The last line eluded me. If you don’t know his work, you should look at “A Blessing,” and “Lying in a Hammock at William Duffy’s Farm in Pine Island, Minnesota.” And then you’ll understand why he is one of my favorite poets.
Posted to dVerse Open Link Night.
Life in Portofino 
Brilliant analysis of a very tough poem by Wright!!! Your end words are a poem unto themselves and your interpretation is wonderful, but your poem is remarkable all on its own. You echo Wright’s abilities with lines breaks. Amazing work, Charley!
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Thank you! I was sweating sapphires over that poem. …or was it emeralds?
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Haha!
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🙂
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Actually, I was totally missing the point of what Wright was conveying in this little poem. But I know his writing just enough to know there are no little thoughts with him. The last line had me grasping empty space. The thought came after a week when I was occupied with something totally unrelated to poetry and the meaning of life.
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It is helpful to know that the struggle over a poem can take time and that sometimes looking away is the best choice. Thank you for sharing that.
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You are welcome!
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Brilliant write, Charley. You penetrate deep waters here, with exquisite skill and poignancy! Bravo!
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Thank you, sir! I was actually wrestling with Wright’s poem; what did he mean by it. It simply required several days, several readings, and a few minutes with my hands in dish water. 🙂
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Such a remarkable poem. Filled with driven emotion and great structured of poetic feel and heart my friend.
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Thank you, Charlie!
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You’re very welcome, Charley.
Your work always continues to inspire me and very happy. Thank you for everything you do. 🙂
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“In the sanctuary burns the light of poetic muse who whispers wind, gently urging me to stand in the poet’s place before the flame”… sigh.. Beautifully haunting!❤️
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Thank you! I spent a week wrestling with Wright’s poem, and this hit.
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I really like this piece. Thanks for sharing.
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You are welcome! I hope you looked at Wright’s poem as well. He’s one of my favorites.
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I love this poem, Charley! I linked over to the James Wright poem, and was glad I did.
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I really enjoy Wright. Was given his collected poems for Christmas. I’m glad you enjoyed my take on it.
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I like the transformation from darkness to light on account of your poetic muse ~ Words give us away and we become transparent ~
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Yes! I’m glad you appreciated this.
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Nice approach to the muse–being transparent in front of the flame.
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I can’t take full credit for this. Wright’s poem led me here. Thank you, Frank!
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Inspiration with do that to you …turn you transparent! Very good!!
Dwight
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Thank you!
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Love the pairing of the two poems… i feel that you go deeper into yourself actually
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Yes. The focusing on the other poem for an extended period (over a week reading twice or more daily) forced me to go outside of myself to understand what he might be saying, and the deep into myself to find an appropriate response. Thank you!
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Thank you for the gift of this poem.
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You are welcome!
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“The poet’s place before the flame” is a good reminder of our responsibility.
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Thank you. I’m glad you appreciated that. I was working on doing a response piece to Wright’s poem, and this is what came out of it.
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The muse within our spirit urges us to overcome our insecurities and put ourselves out there making vulnerability possible and providing the world with jewels beyond the tangible! Great poem Charlie.
Dwight
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Thank you, Dwight!
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Lovely piece! Sometimes the best muse is another poet!
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Thank you! Wright is a difficult muse at times.
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