[John Hutchcraft]

Peter, that and the poems linked to are terrific little gems. I'd never heard of the poet before; thanks for the link.

[Janet Kenny]

I always admired this terrific poem.

(And thanks Peter for Piet Hein.)
Janet

I love the poem. I love the last line.

[Alexander Grace]

There is something about acknowledging the neutral fact of "circumstance" in individual fate that keeps the poem from seeming to judge anyone involved in the scenario too harshly. That howl is for all involved: Maw Paw, Law, and Art!

Nemo, thanks for articulating my exact feelings better than I could have done. What that word also does is trivialises the whole situation, says to the boy 'there's no good reason why you suffer, and nor should you'.

[Anne Bryant-Hamon]

Nemo,

Thanks so much for opening the mystery of it for me. It makes sense to me now that you have helped me to understand the symbolism. I'm even a bit embarrassed since I've spent many an hour studying about how without the law there was no sin and that the law kills. (But the spirit gives life). Now I can also see how Art is the Word of God. It is a fantastic poem.

Anne

[Golias]

"Art" is doubtless chosen for multiple meanings; the one Anne mentions as well as others, including these: Art (the boy) holds (in his hand)the Word of God (his Bible)// The word of god is held (upheld) by art (human artifice).

Or is all that too obvious to need mention?

G/W

[This message has been edited by Golias (edited May 08, 2008).]

[Carol Taylor]

Art is art and the poem is about how people try to rope it in and impose social and intellectual and moral restrictions on it. Am I wrong?

Carol

[R. Nemo Hill]

This is reverberating and resonating in all sorts of directions!

Good work, author.

Nemo

[This message has been edited by R. Nemo Hill (edited May 09, 2008).]

[Anne Bryant-Hamon]

Originally posted by Golias:
"Art" is doubtless chosen for multiple meanings; the one Anne mentions as well as others, including these: Art (the boy) holds (in his hand)the Word of God (his Bible)// The word of god is held (upheld) by art (human artifice).

Or is all that too obvious to need mention?

G/W

Golias,

For me the "Word of God" is not synonymous with 'the bible'. Rather, it is the sum of all things that consist/exist -- i.e. in Christ. Just wanted to clear that up from my side.

Anne

[Catherine Chandler]

Very much enjoyed! Just hope that car doesn't go over the cliff like it did for Thelma & Louise. And if it does, well, howling is better than whimpering.