Saturday, September 5, 2009

i am this one walking beside me



juan ramon jimenez was born into a banker's family but left much of that world behind when he took up writing.
(otto freundlich 1924)

a powerful sense of self and selflessness is revealed in his poem "i am not i" . . . .

i am not i.
i am this one
walking beside me whom i do not see,
whom at times i manage to visit,
and whom at other times i forget;
the one who remains silent while i talk,
the one who forgives, sweet, when i hate,
the one who takes a walk when i am indoors,
the one who will remain standing when i die.

that takes flight in his expansive poem "full consciousness" . . . (paul klee "ancient sound")

you are carrying me, full consciousness, god that has desires,
all through the world.
here, in the third sea,
i almost hear your voice: your voice, the wind,
filling entirely all movements;
eternal colors and eternal lights,
sea colors and sea lights.

your voice of white fire
in the universe of water, the ship, the sky,
marking out the roads with delight,
engraving for me with a blazing light my firm orbit:
a black body
with the glowing diamond in its center.

an excellent and insightful overview and critique of juan's thinking and work can be found here. a beautiful meditation on his writing can be found here.

6 comments:

  1. Both amazing poems. The first, I have felt that way but without the words to express it. Thank you for the introduction to these poetic minds.
    QMM

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  2. hi qmm, thanks for your visit!!! the first describes an experience i'm familiar with also. the second describes an experience that at this point is more second hand to me. have a peaceful day. steven

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  3. The poem really resonated with me - and the Klee is stunning. Didn't know that one, so a double thank you.

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  4. hello dave - nice to see you!! i found these poems quite by chance and was amazed at the levelling up of content and purpose in each. i'm glad that they resonated with you dave. the klee is stunning isn't it!!! steven

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  5. love these poems, i'm looking for info on the golden fish by klee and here i am with two amazing blogs...what a distraction from study

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  6. Thanks Thanks Thanks

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