76 Comments
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Martin Mc Carthy's avatar

This is a wonderful meditation on daylight and darkness - how both are continually there together - moving between existence and non-existence, as life perpetually renews itself. Fine poem, Paul.

Paul Wittenberger's avatar

Thank you, Martin. I think most people are aware of the importance of breath in meditation. Isn’t our own breathing a reflection of that same idea, that with every breath we move between existence and non-existence, renewing our own life?

Martin Mc Carthy's avatar

Yes, indeed, and how beautiful that is. I really like this poem.

Paul Wittenberger's avatar

As Megan Youngmee says, “Keep Breathing!”

Martin Mc Carthy's avatar

Megan is one of the wisest people on Substack. She knows it's the simple stuff that truly matters.

I think we can only live for a minute or two without breathing.

Paul Wittenberger's avatar

And life, itself, happens in that space between breaths—the first and the last.

Martin Mc Carthy's avatar

If you drop the "And" at the beginning, you have a nice little poem there. Just give it a title and post it as a note.

Paul Wittenberger's avatar

Thanks to @t-raise us up with Thérèse for this restack!

Paul Wittenberger's avatar

My thanks to @BmG for sharing this poem!

BmG's avatar

Thank you for your outstanding poetry Paul. Always worth reading and thinking about 💞

Paul Wittenberger's avatar

I appreciate your comments!

Paul Wittenberger's avatar

Thank you for restacking this, @Jo-Ann Petrarca

Jo-Ann Petrarca's avatar

Good morning

Jo-Ann Petrarca's avatar

You’re welcome Paul and good morning. I guess saying good morning should have been first . We can blame it on my dyslexia 🤣, a poor excuse is better than none…

Paul Wittenberger's avatar

Good morning to you, Jo-Ann!

Paul Wittenberger's avatar

My thanks to Diane and @Blue Citizen 77 for restacking my poem.

Paul Wittenberger's avatar

Thank you, @Chasey Delaney for sharing this poem.

Paul Wittenberger's avatar

Good Thursday, @Kimberly Root and thank you for restacking this poem. 🙏😊

Paul Wittenberger's avatar

Thanks for sharing this poem, @Lor

Paul Wittenberger's avatar

Thanks to Jay and @Wild Lion*esses Pride by Jay for restacking this poem.

Grace Drigo's avatar

Good Morning Paul. How beautifully refreshing this poem is. Have a wonderful day. 🩵🩵

Paul Wittenberger's avatar

Thank you, Grace 🩵🩵 I wish you a wonderful day, as well,

Paul Wittenberger's avatar

Thank you for restacking this poem, @Rea de Miranda

Lor's avatar
Feb 26Edited

An ember ignites the beating heart, creating the rhythm—as mood defines the day. If only the body felt “newly made” every morning—the secret to the fountain of youth.

Paul Wittenberger's avatar

Good morning, Lor—Glad you’re here this morning!

Lor's avatar

Me too😊

Rea de Miranda's avatar

"the universe

inhaling and exhaling itself

into being."

This is a beautiful line!!

Earl Nobdy's avatar

Great day in the morning!

Paul Wittenberger's avatar

Good morning, Earl!

Richbee's avatar

Breathless. A down feather floats on air currents, but not a wisp from the mouth.

The universe speaks silent spirals. Nigh and light lift: the third eye opens; destiny discovered and be enlightened. Aum Tat Sat.

Paul Wittenberger's avatar

The same breath breathes through everything, breathing the world.

Michael Drummond's avatar

I wake up before the sun rises and sometimes drive most of the way to work in the dark. It can be a very disconcerting experience, especially if you take the time to reflect on what's happening.

Paul Wittenberger's avatar

I’m up early, usually in the dark. I’m retired, so there’s more than enough time for reflecting on everything.