"History is one corrupt, bloody, oppressive event after another but it hasn’t kept us from marveling at giraffes and geraniums, our children, the last quartets of Beethoven." History is also Beethoven. Thank goodness : )
Thank you, Susie, for helping me see the world more “softly” and with awe. Your gift besides stringing beautiful words together is to coach others to open more fully to the highs and lows of our world, so we can face the dark so fully that we even see the light there, and to feel hopeful, struck by the beauty in the mundane simultaneously.
That's very kind of you. I'm trying to find ways to say something meaningful. Brooke Warner posted this fantastic piece about both/and which I always associate with you. Here's the link if you have the mental space for it.
This piece touched my soul Susie. I live a privileged life for which I truly grateful for. However, I live with an existential anxiety about what is happening in the world. What to do? It seems so overwhelming. But you have pointed us in the direction of beauty and love. Shall we continue to look for it, breathe it in and breathe it out onto a page and make beauty and love the overwhelming vibration. Solve the darkness by turning on the light.
I'm very glad to be engaging with you across the miles. Would only comment that I wouldn't use the word "solve," because I believe the way to travel is holding both at the same time. It's a lot to carry.
The opening quote takes my breath away with its precision for this moment, like those cousin moments you invoked. I note it's not the fate of a poet or a poetic soul. It's the fate of poetry. Thank you so much Susie. Poetry is all I can write about Israel and Gaza.
I love that you pointed that out about the quote, Jo. It makes a larger statement when it's poetry itself that falls in love with the world, not "just" an individual poet. Have you been writing about Israel/Gaza? Would you send it to me?
"History is one corrupt, bloody, oppressive event after another but it hasn’t kept us from marveling at giraffes and geraniums, our children, the last quartets of Beethoven." History is also Beethoven. Thank goodness : )
Agreed. It's not that there is history and there is Beethoven. "History is also Beethoven."
Oh, how rare and wonderful to have “have looked at the world with eyes of love.”
It's a practice, don't you think? Sometimes I get it "right."
Just read his aloud to Hal, while sobbing. Hal said: “god, she’s an incredible writer.” I wholeheartedly agree. Thank you, Friend.
Please thank Hal for me. It's wonderful to feel that I have reached the two of you across the many miles.
Susie, I think you wrote this beautiful essay through The Eyes (or words) of Love, and I am softened and heartened by it. Thank you.
P.S.
Loving your alliteration 💓
It's wonderful to hear this, Laura. If I can do anything, I can do a little with words.
captures so well the balancing act we try to do. thank you.
Much like in the garden, no?
Thank you, Susie, for helping me see the world more “softly” and with awe. Your gift besides stringing beautiful words together is to coach others to open more fully to the highs and lows of our world, so we can face the dark so fully that we even see the light there, and to feel hopeful, struck by the beauty in the mundane simultaneously.
I hope I'm supporting that energy, Rachael. Any small thing that each of us can do to move us all towards healing is a valuable contribution.
So beautifully expressed, as always. The angst and the beauty. Looking through a wide angle lens. So tender. Thank you.
Thank you so much, Elaine. Sometimes the tenderness is hard, but I know it's the only way.
What a thing! You are of service to the world with your words, my friend. This is a particularly beautiful "bit" of service.
That's very kind of you. I'm trying to find ways to say something meaningful. Brooke Warner posted this fantastic piece about both/and which I always associate with you. Here's the link if you have the mental space for it.
https://brookewarner.substack.com/p/an-open-letter-to-my-jewish-authors?utm_source=multiple-personal-recommendations-email&utm_medium=email&triedRedirect=true
This piece touched my soul Susie. I live a privileged life for which I truly grateful for. However, I live with an existential anxiety about what is happening in the world. What to do? It seems so overwhelming. But you have pointed us in the direction of beauty and love. Shall we continue to look for it, breathe it in and breathe it out onto a page and make beauty and love the overwhelming vibration. Solve the darkness by turning on the light.
I'm very glad to be engaging with you across the miles. Would only comment that I wouldn't use the word "solve," because I believe the way to travel is holding both at the same time. It's a lot to carry.
The opening quote takes my breath away with its precision for this moment, like those cousin moments you invoked. I note it's not the fate of a poet or a poetic soul. It's the fate of poetry. Thank you so much Susie. Poetry is all I can write about Israel and Gaza.
I love that you pointed that out about the quote, Jo. It makes a larger statement when it's poetry itself that falls in love with the world, not "just" an individual poet. Have you been writing about Israel/Gaza? Would you send it to me?
My heart is tender and open having read this and experienced a few minutes of your wide perspective. Thank you Susie.
Wide and deeply compassionate perspective, I should have said.
xo
I appreciate that, Pam. I think of I say it out loud or write it, I feel it myself more easily.