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Inaction In Action

Missing image



Beneath my windows
I found your footprints there
Saw when you turned
and paused, and where

Glacial resistance
so distant and aloof
Attached to your detachment
For silence speaks the proof

What could you See
in what you read
if you assumed the meaning
of everything I've said

You searched the words
but cannot know
of what or why they speak
Only when you dare to climb
can you ever reach the peak

The Path of Life has always been
slippery and steep
If fear of truth is what you sow
then that is what you'll reap

 



 

 

Author notes

"There's a crack in everything
that's how the light gets in"
~ from  Anthem by Leonard Cohen

“One who sees inaction in action, and action in inaction, is wise among men, and he is in the transcendental position, although engaged in all sorts of activities.”
~ Bhagavad-Gita, Ch IV:18

[Compare with: allpoetry.com/Poem/621432 ]
Written September 9th, 2004

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Comments

1 - 34 of 34

  • Maatkara Moderators member
    June 5, 2006
    Edit | Reply
    Exactly, Lyndon! I actually find it quite gratifying when a commenter presents a perfect, instructive example to prove the truth of what I have written

    As Robbie Burns put it so well:

    O wad some Power the giftie gie us
    To see oursels as ithers see us!

    from To A Louse
    oldpoetry.com/opoem/394

  • Winklings gold member
    June 5, 2006
    Edit | Reply
    There is no basis in a poet(?) who makes judgments such as these. As far as I can see the only one preaching is the one preaching a circuitous diatribe on preaching!
  • karabi
    June 4, 2006
    Edit | Reply

    so so

    Again the preacher. There is very good poetry here, but it is suspect because of preaching.

  • suseann
    October 4, 2005
    Edit | Reply
    Cohen's statement brings to my mind,Phil Collins repeated line in Abacab(there's a hole in this somewhere).This is very good Gen.It says that we can't truely know whats's in the heart until and unless viewed closely.Not distant to the subject.~~Suseann

  • Duana gold member
    October 27, 2004
    Edit | Reply
    hehe I read this before, but your poems always read like the first time, because of their impact. With each read, they sink deeper into the pysch. And it's interesting that I read this now, because I have been thinking about this subject a lot lately.
  • Lycus
    October 26, 2004
    Edit | Reply
    This poem is something to aspire to. I write poetry very rarely when the mood strikes me. Maybe if I pushed myself to it more often I could get somewhere close to your level. Your tools are sharp and this poem touched me.

  • Poetlady777 gold member
    September 21, 2004
    Edit | Reply
    One really like the end of this poem..

    The Path of Life has always been
    slippery and steep
    If fear of truth is what you sow
    then that is what you'll reap

    the beginning reminded me of a guy who stalked me. I'm glad that's over! I really like your poem. It contains wisdom.

  • Wildequill
    September 15, 2004
    Edit | Reply
    To have an eye on the spy
    a bead on the man
    guessing his motives
    in the way that you can

    Tempt him with challenge
    spike his ego
    appeal to his manhood
    and you'll have your foe.


  • Sharon Corr gold member
    September 14, 2004
    Edit | Reply
    Stunning a crack in the ripple beyond time
    Where the light reaches us in serenity sublime


  • MariGoes gold member
    September 13, 2004
    Edit | Reply
    It is amazing how you put such complex thoughts in a very simple way to understand! The fear of facing the truth is what makes so many of us live a fake life, where the truth is disguised and so distorced that we can't see what really would makes us happy and live a full life in the best way possible.

    Always admiring your words,
    Mari
  • surfermike
    September 11, 2004
    Edit | Reply
    interesting way way of saying . . life! Be in it! my impression anyways . . smiles

  • Duana gold member
    September 9, 2004
    Edit | Reply
    haha, yes that's what it was: my endorsement How funny.

  • Maatkara Moderators member
    September 9, 2004
    Edit | Reply
    Thanks Duana! I appreciate your endorsement.
    Haha! That's so funny, how can anyone fake what one really has to know to write about convincingly?

    ~ G

  • Duana gold member
    September 9, 2004
    Edit | Reply
    PS and from our conversations for anyone to think that you write just what you want us to imagine you are is ludericrous. This poem is just so you inside and out(from my experience with you atleast)...

  • Duana gold member
    September 9, 2004
    Edit | Reply
    wow this really is good. It starts out so different than your usual style, but gradually you see full Maatkara coming through right til the end. Your message is so strong, and a message that so many people will always remain deaf too- always...that is my experience. My favorite line: If fear of truth is what you sow
    then that is what you'll reap







  • Maatkara Moderators member
    September 9, 2004
    Edit | Reply
    Thank you, Tamara! Yes indeed, lol, but the full line is, "There's a crack in everything, that's how the light gets in". (From a Cohen song)

    ~ G

  • Maatkara Moderators member
    September 9, 2004
    Edit | Reply
    There is nothing more satisfying than finding I have impressed someone whose talent and wisdom I hold in high esteem! You are such a person to me, Dee. Thank you for your wonderful comment, you made my day.

    ~ Gennelle

  • Ladybug
    September 9, 2004
    Edit | Reply
    only when you climb and seek will you find true serenity
    and yes, LOL there are many cracks in our system

    Tamara

  • Terry-too silver member
    September 9, 2004
    Edit | Reply
    Very strong, effective poems like this one can only be the distillates of experience in the crucible of thought. Excellent in its craft, precise in its meaning, it sets a situation out in its complexity, simplifying it in a snappy aphorism no one can deny.
    What a privilege it is to find your work, Gennelle, for it never disappoints!
    --Dee


    Edited on Sep 09, 7:37 p.m. because 'typo'.
  • i luv cupcakes
    September 9, 2004
    Edit | Reply
    "You searched the words
    but cannot know
    of what or why they speak"
    That is a very beautiful line! Your whole poem's beautiful! great write!

    Kayla

  • Nicolette gold member
    September 9, 2004
    Edit | Reply

    Brilliant

    "Only when you dare to climb
    can you ever reach the peak..."
    And that is the truth....what a brilliant piece of art this is - in content, depth, rhyme and rhythm. Brilliant, Gennelle!!
    Nicolette

  • SEA angel
    September 9, 2004
    Edit | Reply

    Excellent

    I wrote a poem similar to this too but I cannot remember the title off hand. This is so true... We write a piece from our own place in life and people who read may not be at the same place or even be able to identify. I discovered some truths I could have gone through my entire life never knowing only to discover that it may be true ignorance is bliss. Truth indeed can be a bitter pill to swallow sometimes. I can still taste its bitterness. However, the only alternative is ignorance and fear (as you so eloquently said).

  • Maatkara Moderators member
    September 9, 2004
    Edit | Reply
    Thank you so much, Myra! Yes, that's true, self-awareness is imperative. That's why everything I write I view as a reminder to myself as well.

    ~ Gennelle

  • myrataal silver member
    September 9, 2004
    Edit | Reply

    Brilliant

    Dearest Gennelle

    There is something very, very serious and classical in this beautiful poem. Almost like an omen; a warning - like many of your poems. And the crack in the bell says it all.

    We must be humble and truthful and on our knees, for we all carry the taintedness of deception.



    Myra

  • Maatkara Moderators member
    September 9, 2004
    Edit | Reply
    Thank you, M That means a lot from you! It's funny, I like free form, where I just have to find a good rhythm. But when I want to be really precise, I like to rhyme; I find it takes more work. That's why I appreciate yours so much.

    ~ G

  • MargaretG silver member
    September 9, 2004
    Edit | Reply

    Wise and wonderful

    Yes, I have seen this happen. "Seek and ye shall find". Be careful what you look for.
    This is a different style for you, but being a rhymer myself, I really like it.

  • haikumonk gold member
    September 9, 2004
    Edit | Reply
    Yeah.... nice work. quietly burning's comment is on the money... This is a simple, straightforward poem but it rings of depth.

    Take care "G"

    Don

  • quietly burning silver member
    September 9, 2004
    Edit | Reply
    for whom the bell tolls perhaps you could also pass this along .. "we are what we seek" ..... nicely done
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