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Mystified!
Written by Katanga (1229 comments posted) 21st June 2008 |
This is beautiful in its construction, feel and lyrical flow, Brett, but I am honestly at a loss as to what it means . . .
Cheers!
Thick John X |
KT -
Written by fellpony (1616 comments posted) 21st June 2008 |
Diogenes, the Greek cynic philosopher, lived in a barrel to show his contempt for things of the world (materialism). One day at the gymnasium he encountered Alexander the Great who asked if there was anything he could do for him. "Yes - stand out of my light."
Brett's lover must have been some lady to outweigh Diogenes  |
Sorry, John
Written by Brett (785 comments posted) 21st June 2008 |
Diogenes was the most renown of the cynic philosophers (used to live in a barrel!).
It's reputed that when Alexander the Great sought out his advice Diogenes merely told him that he was blocking his sunlight.
I used this simple allusion to convey that the cynic feels quite protected at not allowing his feelings to show, but that they can't hide them from themselves. That sounds so shite now I've said it.
Cheers |
Sue,
Written by Brett (785 comments posted) 21st June 2008 |
if only I would wait for you to review, you could save me so much time.
And thanks, I'll pass that compliment on to her!
Cheers |
Thank you FP
Written by Katanga (1229 comments posted) 21st June 2008 |
Now I think I understand the poem much more . . .
Respect, Brett . . .
John X |
Written by Veronica_Milvus (637 comments posted) 21st June 2008 |
Does the reckless tonic go with the reckless gin?
And perhaps he lived in a barrel because, being a penniless philosopher, he couldn't afford a place of his own.
Sorry, should not be flippant, if you are having a crisis of your philosophy. |
Written by Brett (785 comments posted) 22nd June 2008 |
Very drole, V, very drole!
Cheers |
Written by mia_ms_kim (1019 comments posted) 22nd June 2008 |
I read this many times, and the picture I get is a cynic who fell in love. How intriguing to say Diogenes is standing in your light. The words shelter, shade, shadow give me the image of hiding, as if harsher cynicism gives greater the protection - from what? Fear of intimacy? rejection?
"one whose reckless tonic cast a spell." must be the lady? One who could not be shut out by cynicism? One who dispelled the smokescreen of the thick armour of cynicism? One who brought out the poet in him? Poetry, song normally means the heart has been penetrated, I think.
So the lady has disarmed the cynic and brought him to his knees... hmmm...
A very intriguing piece in many ways.
Mia  |
Mia
Written by Brett (785 comments posted) 22nd June 2008 |
you are astute Too astute. Thank you.
Cheers |
Written by Phil (6730 comments posted) 22nd June 2008 |
Hi Brett. I though I'd left a comment here, but it seems not. Commenting late leaves me with little to say. Apart from agreeing with the above, it struck me that this belongs to series, perhaps.
Past glories, past regrets - I feel a beer coming on.
Liked it very much.
Phil |
Reckless Tonic?
Written by Katanga (1229 comments posted) 22nd June 2008 |
Oh Lordy!
I know I shouldn't, but I feel irrepressible giggles coming on . . .
I thoroughly respect and applaud your poem and the subsequent reviewers . . .
But, hey!
I can't bear people with 'reckless tonic'
Give me pure gin any time . . .
And bugger the ice 'n' lemon!
Oh, mercy!
KYJ X |
Feckless comic!
Written by Brett (785 comments posted) 22nd June 2008 |
Depends on the gin, Tolstoy - I much prefer mine neat or with a trace of vermouth, but some gins need a mixer, and a gin and tonic can be refreshing given the right circumstances and company. Trust me!
Oh, and never lemon - lime!
Cheers |
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