the mirrored Reality
reflects the inner vision
manifested in Duality
a mix of dark and light
limitations found
in balanced presence
a quiet gaze
a thoughtful stance
the total picture
speaks volumes of the man
it’s impact
makes its mark
self and Not Self
are found there standing
side by side
now there is no division
unbounded future glimpsed
left behind imprisoned past
held together in quiet balance
realization comes in self reflection
freedom comes to him at last
Based on reflected images of a friend…. An anonymous self study.
John "Jesus Crisis" Burroughs, photo taken by D. Borsenik at the John Dorsey Farewell Reading, Brewed Awakenings, Toledo, Ohio, May 30, 2009
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Question for the Author:
Who are your writing influences and what was it about them that inspired you?
Chris:
Tough question. Until recently I’ve not read a lot of “classic” literature or poetry and have needed to play catch up as a result, being the first generation here in the US and the first generation in my family to go to college. My parents both spoke Polish and I didn’t even speak fluent English till I started school. So I wasn’t exposed to much English literature at home. My parents were Polish so most of their influences were Polish. Henryk Sienkiewicz and Czesław Miłosz were two polish authors I was introduced to by my sister when younger.
My love of Fantasy and Fantasy literature, Mythology, and Psychology, comparative religion, are my main influence. J.R.R. Tolkien, Carl Jung, Joseph Campbell, Margaret Mead, Isaac Asimov, H. P. Blavatsky, Plato, Lao Tzu,…. being a few authors that most influence my train of thought. Mostly, because I’m influenced more by ideas than styles of writing. And my writing is more expressive of what I think and feel than any particular style. I think that is why I feel most comfortable working in free verse.
Posts
This is one of several poems I've written that were inspired by friends. Only three of which I've posted publicly.
ReplyDeleteDianne Borsenik's wonderful mirror photo of John Burroughs, a friend and poet, taken at the John Dorsey Farewell Party in Toledo, is one of them.
"Call the Wild Song" and "Shaman Poet" are the two other posted poems. Wild Song was written and inspired by a long discussion an women, mythology and love that I had with my dear and close friend Christine Covelli. And I explain more of the background of that poem below.
"Shaman Poet" was inspired by a poet friend I deeply admire, Kathy Ireland Smith, who I regard as a thoughtful deep thinker and caring person, inspired writer but who also struggles with bi-polar disorder. That poem is a reflection of my feelings about all that.
Forgot to say, that the photo inspired me to reflect on John's struggle to overcome so much in justice in his life and his long interest in "Eastern" ideas. I have a deep admiration for all he does and all he is trying to accomplish. My friends and family are often my best inspiration.
ReplyDeleteWhat a nice tribute! Kudos. :)
ReplyDeleteGood work!
ReplyDeleteMike Finley
John looks like a portrait by Velasquez
ReplyDeleteBoth the poetry and the photo are interesting reflections of two people, both Chris and John.
ReplyDeleteenjoyed reading!-- Nabina
ReplyDeleteagain i saw this on facebook who loves the subject and the author
ReplyDeleteWhat an honor! Coolness on all counts...
ReplyDelete