dVerse Poets – Open Link Night 240
photo: learn.corel.com
Arche
The days were wonderfully broken
as joy overwhelmed
the ellipses of confusion
that threatened to interrupt
with no conscience as to feelings for
the things we could not give voice to
and which made us faint with such love
for the very numinous
we could sing
or even dance
but never speak
in a language yet known,
and all around us
the air was on fire.
©Paul Vincent Cannon
Note: the word Arche (αρχη) originates in ancient Greece and speaks to the question of what might be the ultimate underlying substance, what is the first principle, but which is also undemonstrable? (there’s a lot more to it than that of course but that’s essentially the idea). Anaximander is thought to the the first to use it. Anaximander’s student Anaximenes came up with a theory that posited that air was the first principle because it was possible for rarified air to become fire and therefore could become all five elements, meaning that this was the underlying substance.
Paul, pvcann.com
This is gorgeous Paul. It touched my soul.
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Love this! Indeed, that knowing but no voice or language for. That eternal essence born of air and fire
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Many thanks for reflecting on this, so glad it spoke.
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Great Poem, excellent writing skills. You are a born poet Sir, like Great Author Shakespeare’s quote” some are born great some achieve greatness and…… ” Thanks for writing.
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Thank you so much for that.
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You are most welcome Sir.
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Thanks a lot for the lovely poem.
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My pleasure Francis
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To sing or dance but never speak of something would be an interesting scenario. I especially like the ending of your poem.
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Yes, an experience beyond words. Thank you for reflecting back on this.
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This has power and passion Paul – excellent!
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Thanks for those wonderful words Rob.
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Intriguing note, and “the things we could not give voice to” tend to be the most powerful, I find. I enjoyed this post!
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Many thanks, appreciate your encouraging response.
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Stellar poetry, leaves me hushed.
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Very kind, thank you for your encouragement
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Most welcome…just doing my job 🙂
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😊
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🙂 🙂
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Your explaination of ‘Arche’ is so simple, yet spot on. Where were you when I was attending seminary? LOL
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Having theological root canal 🙂 thank you Tom for those encouraging words
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‘Theological root canal.’ I gotta remember that one.
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😊
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sublime Paul, mixing fact and fantasy, but isn’t that what life is all about. metaphysical delight this is!
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You are so right Gina, it is life, great summary, and thank you.
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this one was truly my pleasure, love learning a new word that has such deep meaning.
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The air was on fire…splendid rendition Paul. Thank you for note on Arche,
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Thank you Helene, appreciate your encouragement, yes, I felt duty bound to provide some background.
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I appreciate the notes: (info)
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A very interesting post!
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Many thanks Dwight
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So beautiful!❤️
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Thank you so much Richa 🙂
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Beautifully deep
>
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Thank you so much Lyn
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