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Pam Jones Tagariello's avatar

I’m enjoying your thoughts on the poem. After a full week of conversations with old friends about our individual life’s journeys over the past 50 years , it’s a good one to think about. But for me, I don’t open that “what if” door any more, unless it’s about the future.

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NancyR's avatar

I love the poetry; and I love contemplating Elliot’s intent. However, it seems to me time spent following echoes in some ways squanders the present, trying to reinvent the past.

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Ben Young's avatar

It is difficult to speak for Eliot and I am a light weight on his poetry as a topic, but I sense from my own reading and reflection that what you are saying about reliving the past in a what-if mode is as he would have believed it as well. It is not valuable to speculate on what might have happened but it is valuable to reflect on the topic itself in order to live a better grounded life. Also interacting with great minds of the past is always of immense value.

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Linda S.'s avatar

I just remembered the first sentence you wrote on The Still Point Project. "One of these days I will introduce you to a powerful influence of mine, T.S. Elliot..." So that day has come.

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Linda S.'s avatar

I say yes but then I like poetry. His words are beautiful and haunting and really make you think. And I am enjoying your explanations.

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Ben Young's avatar

Thanks Linda. I have a few general thoughts about poetry that might post this evening. I’m not the end all on this subject but like you I find so much interesting material to think about in poetry. However, to general readers, don’t worry. There are many other subjects I think worth our consideration as well. It’s always a potpourri with me. (Note the rhyme scheme in that last line. I couldn’t resist).

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