New poem: "The Mathematics of Poetry"

 

 

The Mathematics of Poetry

 

A poet does not have to be dead to belong

to the dead poet’s society; in fact, many

living poets are members, like the dystopian

author of many genres, poetry being her

favorite. That’s why she was elected most

honored member and three times president.

“The desire to be loved is the last illusion,”

said she; “and when you give it up, you

will be free.” But what else can we expect

from the most honored member of the dead

poet’s society whose signature line is, “All

we have is hope, but what hope is there?”

Her wild hair is more alive than Medusa’s,

and her poetry can turn your soul to stone;

and every time I read her, a cold wind chills

my bones, and I have to put her poetry away

to keep the devil at bay; and I turn once more

to Wordsworth, Rumi, Jane Hirshfield, and

the divine poetry of the blessed poet’s society

whose signature line is: “Life is love in action,

and the more love you give, the more life you

have.” And that, the gods of literature say,

is the mathematics of poetry.

 

Composed in Georgian Bay, Ontario

Sunday, March 17, 2024