Why? Why, Zed?
Half the time I make Walt Whitman sound
modest. That’s no mean feat, but
it’s easily accomplished when you’re the
crowning glory of existence: the
capstone of the universe.
Then, something happens.
Or, nothing happens.
True genius– barely
constrained on vinyl,
released by a diamond
stylus– cannot
be denied.
I’m never been to
William Duffy’s farm,
and I’m not one for hammocks.
But the conclusion is the same.
Tags: Alex Lifeson, Geddy Lee, James Wright, Lying in a Hammock on William Duffy's Farm in Pine Island, Minnesota, Neil Peart, Rush, Song of Myself, Walt Whitman, We Write Poems, YYZ
Love, love…”True genius– barely
constrained on vinyl,
released by a diamond
stylus– cannot
be denied.”
Well done!
- Dina
This is intriguing to me. I especially like your middle stanza, which seems to unite the other two stanzas — the first, with almost an egotistical bent, and the second harkening back to James Wright’s final line — “I have wasted my life”. Oddly enough, the union of the two to me suggests a tired, disgruntled, and bitter genius. Well done.
BTW, I googled James Wright and found out that he’s an Ohio boy!
-Nicole
I completely relate to the first stanza. LOL Great ego statement.
Well crafted piece Dan—I enjoyed it.
Ayuh, James Wright is one cool dude. As soon as I saw Duffy’s farm, I knew what you were up to…love the “barely constrained on vinyl…”
Dan, Love the third stanza. I have heard many geniuses on the vinyl.
Nicely done.
Pamela
“Capstone of the universe” indeed. Wait…. Maybe so.
Salute, comrade!
Great lines Dan. Yay!
mm would like to have met Whitman.
I think he would have been feisty.
yes love the constrained by vinyl =)
“When these days have passed long ago
Will they read of us with sadness
For the seeds that we let grow??
or the cowbells we let ring?
(the song remains the same — the song of myself.)
I do like that opening, large and wry.
I never got into Rush, but I know the feeling of which you speak. I like the mix of references, and the knowing descent from capstone to hammock.