This is beautiful and provocative, Susie, although I have to quibble with the blurb that accompanies your bio. It is not "delightful." Thankfully, it is more than that.
I’m a little late for this party, but wanted to give kudos for capturing what I am just beginning to notice. One recent morning, the sun’s rays shone beautifully through the trees Hurricane Helene hadn’t toppled, and it wasn’t until I consulted what I sometimes refer to as “the brain”—my iPad—to rediscover a descriptive word for those rays, one which is also a delight to say—crepuscular. Yes, that’s it! Where was it hiding?
I hear you, Susie. I keep thinking of the Leonard Cohen quote, "Ring the bells that still can ring." Harder to do as the ones that ring become fewer. But maybe that's the point: The courage to keep going, knowing the outcome. (Am sure I'll sound more optimistic once I finish radiation therapy.)
You will find my reflections on aging very similar but not in writing style. Didn't know we had so much in common. Fortunately, there are happier things we also have in common, such as the love of honking geese.
I'm waiting with great expectations to see your piece.....But for now, I don't see my writing as unhappy. I imagine we have somewhat different experiences based on where we're at on the timeline.
Dear Susie. What a wonderful essay expressing the beauty and dismay of living a long life. The reminder that we are all part of a natural world teeming with cycles and regeneration - and viruses and oceans and joyful noises - is right on. An excellent choice of nouns and verbs. Thank you!
You have just lifted the weight on my shoulders a little. Among the many ailments my husband is experiencing this morning is severe back pain. He had covid 10 days ago. It never occurred to me that this could be a consequence. Unfortunately, there is no view of nature from the 4th floor Westmount residence to help the cure. Thank you for sharing.
Are there memories of the natural world you can access? I grew up on the 14th floor of an apartment building off Broadway in Manhattan so I'm just acquiring this knowledge late in life. Thanks for reading.
So good to hear from you, Avivah. As you have written so powerfully, every age has its work cut out for it. It's a blessing to know that and dive into it, isn't it?
This is beautiful and provocative, Susie, although I have to quibble with the blurb that accompanies your bio. It is not "delightful." Thankfully, it is more than that.
Thanks for writing, Spyro. Can you help me to find that word "delightful" so I can find something more appropriate? Appreciate your support.
I haven't slept for days thinking about this. "Lovely?" "Panegyric?" "August?" Many more sleepless nights ahead, I'm afraid. I like your writing.
I’m a little late for this party, but wanted to give kudos for capturing what I am just beginning to notice. One recent morning, the sun’s rays shone beautifully through the trees Hurricane Helene hadn’t toppled, and it wasn’t until I consulted what I sometimes refer to as “the brain”—my iPad—to rediscover a descriptive word for those rays, one which is also a delight to say—crepuscular. Yes, that’s it! Where was it hiding?
You're never too late, Leigh. I'm also very fond of crepuscular.
I hear you, Susie. I keep thinking of the Leonard Cohen quote, "Ring the bells that still can ring." Harder to do as the ones that ring become fewer. But maybe that's the point: The courage to keep going, knowing the outcome. (Am sure I'll sound more optimistic once I finish radiation therapy.)
Maybe there's a new music in those bells that you/I wouldn't have heard before.
Very beautiful. And hardly seems the writing of a foggy-brained person ;)
Thank you, Jen. I seem to need this kind of encouragement...and why not? I rely on the kindness of strangers.
No more lamenting the continuous
Never changing of the always changing
Looking back and missing the now
This is terrific! ...the continuous Never changing of the always changing.... Much appreciate your sending this.
I was totally taken by this beautiful piece of writing on aging. Thank you!
I'm gratified to hear from you, Lilliane. We are so many and so often misunderstood.
Aging
How is it intimate
To share the ignominious
Withering of the body facade
With the dribbling
Of the corpus sea water while
Counting the red and blue webs
Stricken on the pale
Isn't it better to look
Into the eyes of the dark seducer
And without blink of nerve
Kiss her full on the mouth
No more lamenting the continuous
Never changing of the always changing
Looking back and missing the now
You will find my reflections on aging very similar but not in writing style. Didn't know we had so much in common. Fortunately, there are happier things we also have in common, such as the love of honking geese.
I'm waiting with great expectations to see your piece.....But for now, I don't see my writing as unhappy. I imagine we have somewhat different experiences based on where we're at on the timeline.
With appreciation. Lovely.
Thank you for spending some time with my words.
Susie, well written! It describes how I feel some days. I need fresh air to get by it.
Thanks
Thank you, Daryl. We are all breathing the same air.
Thank you for this beautiful and thought-provoking essay.
Thank you, Mariam, for the time you've taken with my writing.
Thought-provoking and inspiring. Thank you.
Every day creation is renewed, the tradition says. Glad to be here with you.
Beautifully said
I really appreciate your reading my work, Pat.
Dear Susie. What a wonderful essay expressing the beauty and dismay of living a long life. The reminder that we are all part of a natural world teeming with cycles and regeneration - and viruses and oceans and joyful noises - is right on. An excellent choice of nouns and verbs. Thank you!
It touches me that you include viruses among the many life forms. Part of what plagues us, I think, is our tendency to center ourselves in creation.
You have just lifted the weight on my shoulders a little. Among the many ailments my husband is experiencing this morning is severe back pain. He had covid 10 days ago. It never occurred to me that this could be a consequence. Unfortunately, there is no view of nature from the 4th floor Westmount residence to help the cure. Thank you for sharing.
Are there memories of the natural world you can access? I grew up on the 14th floor of an apartment building off Broadway in Manhattan so I'm just acquiring this knowledge late in life. Thanks for reading.
this is gorgeous Susie! Journeying right along behind, applauding the music you make and the presence you gift.
So good to hear from you, Avivah. As you have written so powerfully, every age has its work cut out for it. It's a blessing to know that and dive into it, isn't it?