This poem doesn't seem to want to recede into my personal archives, but keeps reappearing. I like the poem, but am not certain why. Perhaps I like the idea of saying something inadmissible (actually, there's no perhaps about it), and I think kisses make pretty good oaths. Other than that, I'm not sure... But now, I feel I should post it. I don't know why. Perhaps I'll find out....
"The Rules of Evidence"
What you want to say most
is inadmissible.
Say it anyway.
Say it again.
What they tell you is irrelevant
can't be denied and will
eventually be heard.
Every question
is a leading question.
Ask it anyway, then expect
what you won't get.
There is no such thing
as the original
so you'll have to make do
with a reasonable facsimile.
The history of the world
is hearsay. Hear it.
The whole truth
is unspeakable
and nothing but the truth
is a lie.
I swear this.
My oath is a kiss.
I swear
by everything
incredible.
~ Lee Robinson
I took the photograph yesterday just because I liked the way the light was coming through the trees. It sure is pretty outside.
Hmmm, kind of like - what can we really know? Nothing. Because none of how we think life is, really is.
ReplyDeleteI like it a lot also Teresa.
Oh, good. I'm glad I'm not alone. But we're a couple of oddballs, and aren't we lucky? LOL
DeleteVery interesting. I don't know whether I have been swayed by this poem's words and it really says nothing... or that I'm in on a great secret.
ReplyDeleteEvidently, that's irrelevant.(I'm sorry.)
As poetry is frequently misunderstood and has many meanings for each different person who reads it, I would suspect that it's me who doesn't grasp the subject matter. I see only words that have a courtroom connotation...but I do like the last four lines.
Interesting.
I like the part about being "in on a great secret." But, that's how I feel about most poems.... And I fell for those first four lines. :) Isn't it wonderful, how we each respond according to our own perspective? I love it!
DeleteYou're right about it being pretty outside!
ReplyDeleteExcellent circumvention. :)
DeleteIt is, very petty.
Love,and all it is made of.
ReplyDeleteI like that, Steve. Very much. You're in a good place, aren't you? I'm very glad for you.
DeleteThere is a lot to be said for the distinctive light this time of year!
ReplyDeleteIsn't it beautiful? I walk around the yard and woods just noticing and it is so elusive. I love it.
DeleteI'm going to give you a little gift. There is a word for the interlacing of tree branches against the sky. Pleach.
ReplyDeleteA gift of the right word is the perfect gift. And I thank you.
DeleteDear Teresa, if you are to believe this poem than you know that what I say here is mostly "inadmissible." And yet I say it with as much truth as I can: the poems you share with us often strike an aged chord within me as does this one. All my life I've been wanting "to know and to be known." But all my life I've known that what I say or another says is never the wholeness of our heart. That the secret of who we are is locked deep within and that our words give only glimmers of that beauty.
ReplyDeleteI'm reading a new poet: Marie Howe. I recommend--highly--her book "The kingdom of ordinary time" to you. Peace.
It is the mystery of life, and the desire to "know and be known," that impels me forward each and every day. It is also the mystery of our friends and connections that continues to intrigue and delight me. I'm glad we're friends, Dee.
DeleteI will look for Marie Howe, and thank you for the recommendation. I'm always looking for new poets.