“Gravy”, Raymond Carver

I know I’ve put this up before, but was thinking of it again today. How it’s all extra. All gravy. This is my response to enoughness. Either enoughness exists now or it never will. So: there is plenty as it stands. Now, just a question of how much gravy to be had.

“The Meaning of Simplicity”, Yannis Ritsos

I like the last stanza, though I’m not really sure what to make of it.

I went to a presentation by Max Welling earlier this week, and thought it was interesting how in general, we can place a slowness and smoothness prior on the world as a concrete thing, even though perceptions change very quickly. And we are able to account for perception shift by maintaining this underlying world model that is quite static.

“On the Birth of a Son”, Su Tung-Po

Nice sardonic tone. Intelligence has probably concretely decreased my life satisfaction thus far, though yes, it’s enriched it in many unique ways. Obviously one does not choose a lobotomy, but to be born with one does sound nice.

“Elegy VIII (Missing You), Jason Schneiderman

And OK, I can miss you forever. But I wanted you here. In the middle of my life. Just you, your wide smile, your flowy dress.

I saw Kristine today and passed on a letter and a few poems that she featured in. I enjoyed it. Life is good. I’m glad I met you. I’m glad I exist.

Try Caroline Shaw’s “Orange”–it’s really a wonderful piece of music and has been stuck in my head all day.