Words are the tip of the iceberg—What lies beneath the surface? (Original Poem)
Continuing the theme I've been exploring here, lately, on the inadequacy of language and all that is unsayable, below, is a poem on mine that tries to articulate this tricky territory.
The words in a poem are merely the tip of the iceberg,
the poetry belongs to the majority beneath the surface.
Invisible words trail the visible and give them force
just like printed paper, backed by gold, gains in value.
But, what can we do, we work with what we have
using the modest symbols we possess to speak
of that which we do not own. Like incantations,
certain combinations set a sentence or soul in motion.
It’s the same with artists who use shadow to bring out light
or musicians who lend instruments their breath and limbs,
to summon music from thick air. So, too, with poets
who conjure hidden correspondences with letters
Which is to say, words only matter up to a certain point
(when you’re using words to lose them). A poem is only
as good as the unseen poem it mirrors or, in other terms,
the Spirit that it harnesses and which swims through it.
© Yahia Lababidi
Ah, la gaya scienza! ♥ I find so much truth in your poetical essay, @yahialababidi.
In the beginning of this century, Carlos Reis wisely quoted from Gonzalo Torrente Ballester some statements on the novel, which are valid pivot to all literature:
For me, this is partly what you mean by
Which is my favorite stanza in this great essay/poem, by the way.
Personally, when I read a poem, I try to imagine what feelings and impressions the poet wanted us to feel; if what I’ve felt at the moment of reading is consistent with what I considered was intended, I say, “Wow, this poem is good,” and I keep it close to my heart for-ever. Sometimes we may forget what we’ve read but what matters in a poem never abandons us, even when we’ve forgotten the exact words, and this is because we’d seen the body of the iceberg. It becomes everlasting. Being part of this communion is what I love about poetry: the corroboration of unity, strong like ice mountains.
Excellent post, @yahialababidi. Thanks for sharing! ♥
What a fantastic response, @marlyncabrera! This is a mini-essay in its own right and proof that the reader isn't passive, but active in (re)creating the work of art in their own image. I love this line/insight: what matters in a poem never abandons us
Thanks, again, for your thoughtfulness and sensitivity
_/|\_Thanks, @yahialababidi. You are very welcome, too. Thank YOU :)
Exquisite! I like the way you describe poetry in a language that flows like water even though I have to use my mind to understand the content because it is full of symbols.
Creative greeting! 🙏
nice writing with a amazing scenery
what a creativity!!!
fabulous one!!