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| photo credit: Elian Chrebor via photopin cc |
“Among other things, you'll find that you're not the first person who was ever confused and frightened and even sickened by human behavior. You're by no means alone on that score, you'll be excited and stimulated to know. Many, many men have been just as troubled morally and spiritually as you are right now. Happily, some of them kept records of their troubles. You'll learn from them—if you want to. Just as someday, if you have something to offer, someone will learn something from you. It's a beautiful reciprocal arrangement. And it isn't education. It's history. It's poetry.”
― J.D. Salinger, The Catcher in the Rye
If there is any method to our madness, as writers of poetry, it must be this: we have something to offer and we long to learn from others. I believe this notion is the backbone of what we are doing here in the Imaginary Garden, week in and week out. It is why we extend this open invitation every Monday to all-comers who have a love of the written word.
I believe this too. Nice use of Salinger.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Kerry, and greetings all -- Great suggestion by Salinger, one that is ours today to make!
ReplyDeleteHello all! I appreciate always letting us share our work! :) I'm truly excited about this one. Can't wait to get to sit and read all the others :)
ReplyDeleteThank you for the invitation. So much to learn and digest. I would like a helping hand with presentation: two versions in my poem today. Does typography make a difference?
ReplyDeletei cherish this today and i always look forward to reading most everyone's heartfelt expressions
ReplyDeletegracias to those that visit and leave an 'hola'
I had to read it twice, because when I first read it, it was in translation and I didn't like it all. I was glad to be able to read in English then.
ReplyDeleteHappy Monday dear toads!
Good morning, Toads. As always, a pleasure to be joining you today for some excellent reading.
ReplyDeleteSteve K.
The quote reminds me of one my favorite quotes from Thoreau:
ReplyDelete"The at present unutterable things we may find somewhere uttered. These same questions that disturb and puzzle and confound us have in their turn occurred to all the wise men; not one has been omitted; and each has answered them, according to his ability, by his words and his life."
Good morning, Toads. I feel like I'm limping, not leaping, but at least am saying hello. xoxo to all of you & let's make this a wonderful week. M
ReplyDeleteHurrah for Mondays! :)
ReplyDeleteHappy Sleepy Monday, Toads! I am archiving my website poetry these days - a big but satisfying chore - and keep coming upon poems I have totally forgotten that make me wonder: who wrote this? I linked one os those today, written for a Toads prompt by Kenia in 2012.
ReplyDeleteNeeded this outlet today
ReplyDeleteGood day, Toads! Bringing you warmth and sunshine from the desert.
ReplyDeleteBit late today.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, happy monday! Kisses
Catcher in the Rye was my grandmother's favorite book. She was an English teacher, and instilled a love of the written word in me as well. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteJust saw a good documentary on searching for Salinger. Catcher in the Rye, I didn't connect with it in high school because I was not a reader yet (once on meds, my mind slowed down and the words caught up).
ReplyDeleteHave been away on another dreadful dance with the gremlindeep. Sorry I have not been in touch, and I hope all understand I will be reading as many of yours today as I possibly can! Glad to be on a lilypad. Love, Amy