Negative Capability Press Poetry Blog

I’m not sure about the 1st line because I’m not convinced about “always” even if it’s qualified by “as far back as I remember.” I don’t know about how it is to “think the unthinkable” — when that thought enters consciousness — and I like the possible link between thinking and the the unthinkable.

Rob I wonder what you might have wondered. I remember lying under the mimosa tree in my back yard and thinking about how the pink blossoms were clouds. Is there some concrete memory that could serve as a philosophical image?

Just a picky question here: I like the Milton-like line, but is the speaker of this poem at the place in his life to make this association?

Sue

Fine last stanza —and the sudden issue of doubt

Sue

Okay, here I am being pickey again with my adverb allergy. I’m not sure that doors (pliral) opened suddenly. Some may have come in bursts but others in slower pace. So, do you want “suddenly?”

Sue

I’m glad you shifted Milton here. I like the issue of justification.

Sue

Because it is Drew’s name, I think I’d use a different verb on the closing doors. Unless you did that on purpose. The concept of those closing physical doors opening philosophical doors is very effective.

I did that on purpose, and have had strong comments (off the blog) on both sides of the issue. I had written a poem a couple of years after he died that was a big hit with the family, but wasn’t very good in hindsight and would never make this book. It did use that pun, however, and I was trying to squeeze it in here. I’m up for other opinions on whether it should stay or not.