Unfortunately I already returned the book to the library, and only wrote down those lines and not the title (my bad!). There were a handful of Atalla's poems in that anthology. It might be worth seeing if you can check it out at a library near you! Next time I borrow it, I'll be sure to reach back out and let you know.
W. S. Merwin - thank you for bringing in one of our greatest poets (I think), Devin! A deep reflection. For me, Merwin took me to something beyond grief or the past as well. As it were, remembering can take us to something so much larger than "a state of constant grief," where remembering is also love. And takes me to Presence. Nothing is or ever was ours, perhaps we hardly know who or what we are - yet that we are - this love that knows, is itself, remembers. Thank you so much.
"Both books remind me that the work of poetry is in service of witness, that the work of poetry is, as Forche claims, against forgetting." In these terrible, violent times where we humans smash against each other and destroy what goodness the human race has achieved, we remember moments of good times also and the meanings we have lost. I think of my mother and her "causes": equality for all, no more wars, and the beauty and truth of poetry. Here's a poem for her memory:
"What can we do with all the poor people of the world,
the ones who attend parties to carry the trays of hor d'ourves?
Old age and dimming sight bring to light that
there is nothing to do for poor people.
There is nothing to do for rich people who throw parties
with tasty hor dourves.
There is no way other than to set poor people out to sea
in a boat with leaks, nothing else works.
A bleak landscape of refuse and used consumer goods
await us who hoped to heal the world.
Sounds of futility and mourning echo through our bodies
Beautifully crafted post with wonderful insights. The past is rich with sensory experiences and lessons.. The trick, I believe, is to use remembering as nourishment to grow, to heal, to come to a more peaceful and loving place, rather than, as so often is the case, to seek retribution and revenge.
I'm trying to find the title & text of the poem by Seema Atalla that you referenced, & haven't been able to. May I ask your help, please?
Unfortunately I already returned the book to the library, and only wrote down those lines and not the title (my bad!). There were a handful of Atalla's poems in that anthology. It might be worth seeing if you can check it out at a library near you! Next time I borrow it, I'll be sure to reach back out and let you know.
Thank you, though! I'll look for the anthology.
W. S. Merwin - thank you for bringing in one of our greatest poets (I think), Devin! A deep reflection. For me, Merwin took me to something beyond grief or the past as well. As it were, remembering can take us to something so much larger than "a state of constant grief," where remembering is also love. And takes me to Presence. Nothing is or ever was ours, perhaps we hardly know who or what we are - yet that we are - this love that knows, is itself, remembers. Thank you so much.
So many truths to remember. Thank you for your keen mind and heart. Thank you for your beautiful writing.
"Both books remind me that the work of poetry is in service of witness, that the work of poetry is, as Forche claims, against forgetting." In these terrible, violent times where we humans smash against each other and destroy what goodness the human race has achieved, we remember moments of good times also and the meanings we have lost. I think of my mother and her "causes": equality for all, no more wars, and the beauty and truth of poetry. Here's a poem for her memory:
"What can we do with all the poor people of the world,
the ones who attend parties to carry the trays of hor d'ourves?
Old age and dimming sight bring to light that
there is nothing to do for poor people.
There is nothing to do for rich people who throw parties
with tasty hor dourves.
There is no way other than to set poor people out to sea
in a boat with leaks, nothing else works.
A bleak landscape of refuse and used consumer goods
await us who hoped to heal the world.
Sounds of futility and mourning echo through our bodies
like forgotten coins of foreign travel."
Beautifully crafted post with wonderful insights. The past is rich with sensory experiences and lessons.. The trick, I believe, is to use remembering as nourishment to grow, to heal, to come to a more peaceful and loving place, rather than, as so often is the case, to seek retribution and revenge.