(1) For the metaphorical mind, what others perceive
as isolated facts are but unrealized opportunities in
the dance of relationship.
For the literal mind, the dance has stopped; with
a laser-like beam, it concentrates on the outward
features of things:—shards, numbers, fragments of flux.
For one, water in flowing movement is close to
the essence of life; for the other, water is but
potential pressure behind the dam.
Verily, in proper measure, we need both.
But even more, we need to know the
difference between them.
|
| Picture/Poem Poster The Sprinkler shown at the right (prints 81/2 x 11" (A4)) Also available as .pdf download (78 K) | |
 |
(2) Misconceptions self-perpetuate
because, when I'm wrong, what is
right will seem wrong to me;*
Corruption self-perpetuates
because I become dependent
on its perks and privilieges.
Misconception and corruption
fit together perfectly, like a rank
weed cultivated as a natural beauty,
and then eaten voraciously as
the addict's self-proclaimed
manna of the gods.
* (I owe this idea to the writings
of F.M. Alexander, originator of
The Alexander Technique.)
|
| go to Picture/Poem Poster of Big Blue shown at the right (prints 81/2 x 11" (A4)) Also available as .pdf download (76 K) | |
 |
(3) The fewer keys I own,
the freer I am.
|
| go to Picture/Poem Poster of Keys shown at the right (prints 81/2 x 11" (A4)) Also available as .pdf download (40 K) | |
 |
(4) Sympatico sympatico
Have you ever noticed how there seems to be not only a true
but also a false or unsympathetic form of resonance in the world?
Instead of two musical instruments 'swinging' or moving together in
a mutually sustaining harmony, which, when you think about it,
is a beautiful model of love as it manifests in the physical world,
we have something more like a passing on of poor, or misguided,
or corrupt, sounds. A wrong note is sounded, a worse one is echoed.
One dog starts barking, then the whole neighborhood joins in.
Now generalize the movement from sound to the more subtle
idea of intention. A passing on by way of sympathetic, or in
this case, unsympathetic resonance, of good or bad intention.
Think of it: An arrogant, supercilious president gains power here,
a belligerent prime minister suddenly appears there. Soon, even
a military dictator is seen as a friend, as long as he or she echoes
the same unsound 'tones' or ideas. Pondering this as a global
pattern of movement, one can see that this type of false resonance
can quickly spin out of control in a chaos of runaway violence.
Perhaps that is why it is said that Music -- real music,-- and the
true form of resonance upon which it is based and depends, is
so powerfully healing to the savage soul. Indeed, who among
us would dare echo the sound of a master violinist playing a
great solo sonata with a missile of poison gas, or the burst
of a gun?
