Relentless, relentless, this path to the sea. It passes through you. It passes through me. Losing its current, picking up strength, over then under along all its length, writhing in ecstasy smothered with grace, a baptism of roses to bolster the faith. A song for the innocent, a mass for the dead, you cry out for love and lose your head. You put forth your body and offer a prayer to each parishioner who worships there. You live for the moment but you'll die for much less. So, steel yourself with thrift and eschew loneliness.
I read this over and over and try to figure out whether it is about personal loneliness or people leaving behind perceptions, institutions or beliefs or even a love. Beautiful because it's so layered with so many potential meanings. My favourite lines "You live for the moment
but you'll die for much less." It's the wake up call to realise we should not let ourselves down... for any reason. Because this is bigger than loneliness. Thank you! What a great piece.
I like your comment, S.E. It reminds me of the “collapse of the state vector” concept in quantum mechanics with the piece existing in a number of possible meaningful states until interaction with the reader causes it to collapse into whatever form the reader finds meaningful to them.
Paul, your words flow like a living current, untethered from binaries, weaving resilience, surrender, love, and loss into a seamless tapestry. This piece feels less like opposites clashing and more like layers converging—fluid, intricate, and profoundly moving.
Paul, while I don’t know Gloria very well yet, I can already sense a shared energy and vibration in her writing that resonates deeply. She is clearly a remarkable writer, as you are too—your words carry that same purposeful presence. I’m grateful Gloria introduced me to your work; it’s always inspiring to discover voices that truly connect.
Twists and turns time to seasons, pass currents strong. Faith fills in the song sung rapidly, rocks to tumble down and return a chalice to drink. A meditation poem with grace. Ever continuous prayer.
Thank you for your wine words to drink with thoughtful sparkling bubbles. May your new year be blessed with no corkage fee when you pop the cork elixir of poetry to celebrate.
I read this over and over and try to figure out whether it is about personal loneliness or people leaving behind perceptions, institutions or beliefs or even a love. Beautiful because it's so layered with so many potential meanings. My favourite lines "You live for the moment
but you'll die for much less." It's the wake up call to realise we should not let ourselves down... for any reason. Because this is bigger than loneliness. Thank you! What a great piece.
I like your comment, S.E. It reminds me of the “collapse of the state vector” concept in quantum mechanics with the piece existing in a number of possible meaningful states until interaction with the reader causes it to collapse into whatever form the reader finds meaningful to them.
Boom
Thanks to @John Brown for thos restack!
Thanks for the restack, @Lyn Poesy P
Thank you for this restack, @C.J. Heck
You’re welcome, Paul.
Thank you for the restack, @Wild Lion*esses Pride from Jay
Paul, you are very much welcome.
Thank you for the restack, @Lique
Paul, your words flow like a living current, untethered from binaries, weaving resilience, surrender, love, and loss into a seamless tapestry. This piece feels less like opposites clashing and more like layers converging—fluid, intricate, and profoundly moving.
What a remarkable comment to read, Jay. Thank you!🙏 😊
Paul, it was truly a remarkable poem, and I’m so glad Gloria shared your work—it was a joy to read. Thank you for sharing your gift with us!
Gloria is a remarkable person, and an equally remarkable writer! Thank you!
Paul, while I don’t know Gloria very well yet, I can already sense a shared energy and vibration in her writing that resonates deeply. She is clearly a remarkable writer, as you are too—your words carry that same purposeful presence. I’m grateful Gloria introduced me to your work; it’s always inspiring to discover voices that truly connect.
Thank you, Jay.
Twists and turns time to seasons, pass currents strong. Faith fills in the song sung rapidly, rocks to tumble down and return a chalice to drink. A meditation poem with grace. Ever continuous prayer.
Thank you, Richard and Happy New Year!
Thank you for your wine words to drink with thoughtful sparkling bubbles. May your new year be blessed with no corkage fee when you pop the cork elixir of poetry to celebrate.
You live for the moment
But you’ll die for much less.
This was from Paul Wittenberget's poem, relentless.
Thank you, Kathleen!
You're welcome. I received your book today. I'm pretty happy about that. I will read some of the poems at night before I go to sleep.
Thanks for telling me, Kathleen—I’m still waiting for my copies!
Welcoming love as we shift relentlessly toward…
Into a new year, Patris!
I'm blown away!
Thank you for reading and commenting, Carrie.
The loss of a friend
Indeed Paul... I know this so well...
"Relentless, relentless,
this path to the sea.
It passes through you.
It passes through me."
Thank you, Pamela. It sounds familiar, doesn’t it?
Gorgeous; dying for each moment and word
Thank you, Lyn!
Paul your poems just keep getting better and better 🩵🩵
Thank you, Grace and Best Wishes for a Happy New Year!
A mass for the dead ? No one’s there