"New Religion"
This morning no sound but the loud
breathing of the sea. Suppose that under
all that salt water lived the god
that humans have spent ten thousand years
trawling the heavens for.
We caught the wrong metaphor.
Real space is wet and underneath,
the church of shark and whale and cod.
The noise of those vast lungs
exhaling: the plain chanting of monkfish choirs.
Heaven's not up but down, and hell
is to evaporate in air. Salvation,
to drown and breathe
forever with the sea.
~ Bill Holm, from The Chain Letter of the Soul: New and Selected Poems
Bill Holm was a Minnesota poet (1943 - 2009). His poems have been popping up here and there for the past few weeks, and it's as though I'm seeing him, reading his words for the very first time. I had trouble deciding which poem to share tonight, but this one asked so quietly and it felt so right.
Image: Joseph Cornell's "Tamara Toumanova 1"
Since water has been around the longest it should carry all the stories of our existence perhaps.Lovely selection.
ReplyDelete"The stories of our existence." I like that thought. Thanks, Steve.
DeleteOh I hope so...
ReplyDeleteIsn't that a great thought?
DeleteI couldn't agree with you more. I've never seen this before, and it's awesome. Thank you. I love it.
ReplyDeleteA new way of seeing is always good. I'm glad you like it.
DeleteHe's a true Atlantean. A sharp choice, Teresa.
ReplyDeleteYeah. It's a good one. Thanks, Tony. Keep the Light burning bright!
DeleteNot familiar with his work, but what a wonderful poem. What inspired you to choose this one today?
ReplyDeleteI've read a few of his poems lately and they all spoke to me for various reasons, but I think this one chose me. :) I love how deep space and the ocean are connected in some pretty wonderful ways.
DeleteDear Teresa, I so like Holm's sea metaphor because when we do start to drown--whether it's because of being in water or not being able to breath and feeling as if we are suffocating--we have to let go. And letting go of preconceived notions and letting go of fear while we trust the unknown is surely part of belief. Yes, drowning is what I know of belief. Thank you for those words by Bill Holm. Peace.
ReplyDelete"Letting go of preconceived notions and letting go of fear." They seem essential to waking up to all the possibilities. I really appreciate this response.
DeleteLooking for God in all the wrong places. What a concept
ReplyDeleteLinda, That was the title I originally gave this, and then decided to keep it brief. I'm glad you came up with it.
DeleteI interpreted his thinking as nature driven. My thoughts are that each person interprets this earth as they live it -- barbara
ReplyDelete"...each person interprets this earth as they live it." My own "interpretations" certainly have evolved throughout my life, and will undoubtedly continue to evolve. I certainly hope so.
DeleteI'm not quite sure I could explain why, but I loved this to the depths of my heart. Thank you for sharing it =]
ReplyDeleteHi t, I'm happy for your response to this. :)
DeleteA great example of MN talent. We are among good company.
ReplyDeleteWe are. The list would be a long one, with some bright and shining lights.
DeleteI trust all is well to the south of me. :)
i love your banner shot
ReplyDeleteIt was taken from the space station. But not by me. :) Thanks for stopping by, Ken.
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