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A poem.

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A poem.

Postby bitty » Tue May 12, 2015 8:25 pm

The poem that I've quoted below was printed in a newspaper a few months ago. It's the antithesis of narcissism. It's theme seems to be of contentment to live within yourself, rather than share and thereby verify your thoughts. Ironically, I wanted to post it, because it made an impression on me, which is doing just what it advises against. My mind operates in exactly the opposite way to the one described; I can't imagine being able to live like that.

The poet says that to share your thoughts and feelings is to turn them into a lie. I agree, as when I do so, they are turned into a performance. I don't think that that's what the poet meant, though.

Silentium by Fyodor Tyutchev, translated by Robert Chandler.

Be silent, hide away and let
your thoughts and longings rise and set
in the deep places of your heart.
Let dreams move silently as stars,
in wonder more than you can tell.
Let them fulfil you - and be still.

What heart can ever speak its mind?
How can some other understand
the hidden pole that turns your life?
A thought, once spoken, is a lie.
Don't cloud the water in your well;
drink from this wellspring - and be still.

Live in yourself. There is a whole
deep world of being in your soul,
burdened with mystery and thought.
The noise outside will snuff it out.
Day's clear light can break the spell.
Hear your own singing - and be still.
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Re: A poem.

Postby Philonoe » Sat May 16, 2015 8:14 am

I like that poem, bitty.

Made me think of a sentence I read some monthes ago. Something like "the quality of the silences reveals the quality of the link that unite lovers"

(writing it just now, I don't like anymore the word "quality", but still, it makes sense to me somehow)

It has to do with personal space. With existing by oneself.
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Re: A poem.

Postby NimplyDinply » Sat May 16, 2015 9:32 am

Nice poem. Sounds a lot like mindfulness.
what a tangled web we unweave, when we practice to just be
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Re: A poem.

Postby bitty » Sun May 17, 2015 1:22 pm

Philonoe wrote:I like that poem, bitty.

Made me think of a sentence I read some monthes ago. Something like "the quality of the silences reveals the quality of the link that unite lovers"

(writing it just now, I don't like anymore the word "quality", but still, it makes sense to me somehow)

It has to do with personal space. With existing by oneself.

Thanks, Philonoe. Yes, 'existing by oneself'. I think that 'nons' and narcissists find this difficult, for different reasons. I need people to make me feel better about myself, and distract me from myself. 'Nons' can look beyond this, and value people for their company and affection.
NimplyDinply wrote:Nice poem. Sounds a lot like mindfulness.

I can see what you mean. It's also about thoughts being lost in translation, and somehow cheapened, too, I think. I absolutely agree with that sentiment, but can't do otherwise.
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Re: A poem.

Postby Philonoe » Sun May 24, 2015 2:04 pm

bitty wrote:Yes, 'existing by oneself'. I think that 'nons' and narcissists find this difficult, for different reasons.

I agree with you.

I need people to make me feel better about myself, and distract me from myself. 'Nons' can look beyond this, and value people for their company and affection.

I'm not sure all nons can do that :? .
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Re: A poem.

Postby bitty » Sun May 24, 2015 10:33 pm

Philonoe wrote:
I need people to make me feel better about myself, and distract me from myself. 'Nons' can look beyond this, and value people for their company and affection.

I'm not sure all nons can do that :? .

Sounds as though you've been let down, that's a shame.

I like your posts on this forum and when I see them on others.
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Re: A poem.

Postby Philonoe » Sat May 30, 2015 8:13 am

bitty wrote:Sounds as though you've been let down, that's a shame.

I'm ok :)

But it happened to me to be overwhelmed and be unable to enjoy the company of people. For me, both go often together : feeling good when I am alone and feeling relaxed and open when I'm with other people. If I feel safe in my own space it's easier to share it somehow.

I like your posts on this forum and when I see them on others.

Thank you bitty. Your comment moved me.
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