A poem (now also a song) inspired by something I heard from a loved one, about a Japanese saying....
(1999, revised 2003)
The Japanese say "Not to say is the flower"; How many times it might have saved someone from saying words whose subtle blowtorch power crashed like deeds that cannot be undone.
Such times we, with cringing thoughts, remember spoken, written words we can't un-say; petals shorn by mercies less than tender, friendships gone to seed and blown away.
Ah, the power of that wicked little member: the double-edged sword of a tongue, wielding power to slay with mere words better left unspoken. Yet, a simple smile has the power to heal: "Not to say is the flower." So true, Sara, and very well delivered by you. Excellent!
When you have time, stop by my A/D pages.
Love in Christ~~
Bonnie Q
Unicorn Haven
Reviewed by ***** ********* (Reader)
Reviewed on October 22, 2003
Sara, I really enjoy writes like this, writes where philosophy and human nature are central to the art! This is sharply acute and very "shinto" in its by Western standards) approach to personal interaction. Lovely title, as well! Wonderful write!
Reviewed by Richard Vallance (Reader)
Reviewed on October 20, 2003
That very first verse is just so so lovely, Sara!
It cut me to the soul.
This is just so exquisite
(Hey, hint, why not rework the whole poem into a series of Haiku, eh? I KNOW you can do it. I double dare you... if you don't, I will, PROMISE :) :) :)... then send this poem AND the haiku to me for publication in the Winter 2004 issue of Canadian Zen Haiku.
Cher has a song out about that, I think it's called "If I Could Turn Back Time". Nice job. Unfortunately, it's human nature to say things we shouldn't say and then regret it afterward.
Reviewed by C. Gourlay (Reader)
Reviewed on October 16, 2003
how wise your words, and so beautifully written, thank you (now to just keep my mouth shut for a while!)
Reviewed by Nicole Davis Vergara (Reader)
Reviewed on October 14, 2003
{{{{Sara}}}}
Such excellant, wise and true beauty!!!!
A million hats and friendly blown kisses to you on this one! KUDOS
((((Hugs))))
~Nikki~
Beautiful poem Sara, but I find Jaspanese culture odd - perhaps its all these supressed words that really need saying in spite of the consequences that make them find the experience of watching somebody being buried in cockroaches or bollocked with a cannonball entertaining. I have the antithesis to your Japanese saying somewhere, if I can find it.
love, Ian
The Double Mirrors and Ones and Zeros theories, by Dylan Tauber. Parallel mirrors in our minds produce a vision of the infinite. Love is all that exists. Free PDF download.
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When you have time, stop by my A/D pages.
Love in Christ~~
Bonnie Q
Unicorn Haven
It cut me to the soul.
This is just so exquisite
(Hey, hint, why not rework the whole poem into a series of Haiku, eh? I KNOW you can do it. I double dare you... if you don't, I will, PROMISE :) :) :)... then send this poem AND the haiku to me for publication in the Winter 2004 issue of Canadian Zen Haiku.
Deal?
Done deal!
Bye for now,
Richard Vallance
from saying words whose subtle blowtorch power
crashed like deeds that cannot be undone
seems quite potent
Altogether you have excellent diction for this little work. It is most enjoyable to read!
Such excellant, wise and true beauty!!!!
A million hats and friendly blown kisses to you on this one! KUDOS
((((Hugs))))
~Nikki~
love, Ian
Love, JC xoxoxo
Very clever write Sara
Justin