Oh, perfect on this grey, melancholic, & reflective day. These brought to mind the poem Decline by Charles Bukowski where he compared his own decline to that of cities & nations. And also something reminded me of bits of Roses & Rue by the highly controversial Oscar Wilde(he wrote in that completely melodramatic tone which makes one relate & also laugh & I just love it). Obviously the latter is less relevant to general or societal decline, but the feelings of regret & longing are still highly relatable in this context as well as the urge to ponder what current things of some importance will be lost in the future.
The spiritual Hesse is a fantastic choice to include now that I think about the article about Stoicism, and the upcoming one about Zen Buddhism, even though it is probably a happy accident. A quote from his novel with the same name as the poem, which I totally did not have to look up:
"Du sollst dich auch gar nicht nach einer vollkommenen Lehre sehnen, Freund, sondern nach Vervollkommnung deiner selbst. Die Ganzheit ist in dir, nicht in den Begriffen und Büchern."
Which can be roughly translated to: "You should not look for a perfect philosophy, my friend, but for the best version of your own self. You can find wholesomeness inside yourself, not in terms or books."
Hesse and Houseman i found spoke to the emotion, Larkin was a bit tough for me- maybe it sounded like my own thoughts i get when i drink too much beer ........ ;-)
Just thought of another very relevant piece. Yes, because now this whole topic is simmering in the background of my mind. Lol Are you familiar with Rudyard Kipling’s Recessional? It’s... sobering.
Oh, perfect on this grey, melancholic, & reflective day. These brought to mind the poem Decline by Charles Bukowski where he compared his own decline to that of cities & nations. And also something reminded me of bits of Roses & Rue by the highly controversial Oscar Wilde(he wrote in that completely melodramatic tone which makes one relate & also laugh & I just love it). Obviously the latter is less relevant to general or societal decline, but the feelings of regret & longing are still highly relatable in this context as well as the urge to ponder what current things of some importance will be lost in the future.
The spiritual Hesse is a fantastic choice to include now that I think about the article about Stoicism, and the upcoming one about Zen Buddhism, even though it is probably a happy accident. A quote from his novel with the same name as the poem, which I totally did not have to look up:
"Du sollst dich auch gar nicht nach einer vollkommenen Lehre sehnen, Freund, sondern nach Vervollkommnung deiner selbst. Die Ganzheit ist in dir, nicht in den Begriffen und Büchern."
Which can be roughly translated to: "You should not look for a perfect philosophy, my friend, but for the best version of your own self. You can find wholesomeness inside yourself, not in terms or books."
He was such a esoteric sap. I adore his work.
I think the first audio is not as it is inteded to be? Seems you have Blue Rememberred Hills first and last in terms of listening.
Otherwise, fantastic as always! The way you read is so good, and you could always run a side-hussle as an audiobook reader imho :)
Personally, I really felt the emotion in these. Perhaps in ways tied to my own experiences as well...
Hesse and Houseman i found spoke to the emotion, Larkin was a bit tough for me- maybe it sounded like my own thoughts i get when i drink too much beer ........ ;-)
Just thought of another very relevant piece. Yes, because now this whole topic is simmering in the background of my mind. Lol Are you familiar with Rudyard Kipling’s Recessional? It’s... sobering.
In the place of the 'Glasperlenspiel' we got a second upload of 'Blue Remembered Hills'.
But at long last there is some poetry. I was starting to think I had to read it to myself from now on. ･ᴗ･