May 04, 2004

for what is said behind-backs

If I could come on meteorite!
Instead, I walk through damp leaves,
Husks, the spent flukes of autumn.

Imagining a hero
On some muddy compound,
His gift like a slingstone
Whirled for the desperate.

How did I end up like this?
I often think of my friends'
Beautiful prismatic counselling
And the anvil brains of some who hate me

As I sit weighing
My responsible tristia.
For what? For the ear? For the people?
For what is said behind-backs?

Rain comes down through the alders,
Its low conducive voices
Mutter about let-downs and erosions
And yet each drop recalls

The diamond absolutes....

~ Seamus Heaney
(an excerpt from "Exposure" as quoted in his Nobel Lecture, 7 December 1995)

Posted by joydriven at May 4, 2004 12:59 PM | TrackBack
Comments

You hands down have one of the coolest looking blogs ever.

Posted by: JosiahQ at May 4, 2004 01:58 PM

well, josiah. coming from you, that's a major compliment. especially if you aren't joking. but even if you are, i'm honored. :)

Posted by: joy at May 4, 2004 02:18 PM

I love Seamus Heaney's poetry. Are you a member of Zeugma? I noticed you had a link.

Posted by: apple at May 5, 2004 01:50 PM

nope.
tried several times.
don't think i'm their type.

Posted by: joy at May 5, 2004 11:08 PM
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