Comments on: Poetry Saturdays: Czesław Miłosz

By: jeff

jeff — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 13:46:12 +0000

A thoughtful poem, striving to be honest and therefore willing to accept (live with?) imperfection and disappointment, seen in retrospect from the vantage of years long lived rather than from the self-confidence of youth. Who wants to hear a list of our venial sins (known well to so many others) unless, perhaps, by admitting them we recognize that we are bound by common experience and can couple disgust with compassion. From my childhood I recall that toads, held in the cup of one’s hand, also have their charms, warts and all.

By: Bill Kerwin

Bill Kerwin — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 13:22:28 +0000

Powerful. And somehow comforting. Particularly since that ugly toad is looking straight at me right now.

By: Charlotte

Charlotte — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 02:19:49 +0000

Ah Milosz — man of stupendous eyebrows. I used to lightly stalk him in Berkeley. His relationship with Robert Hass is one of the great poetry collaborations … also, the collection of his letters with Thomas Merton are astonishing.

By: mischiefmanager

mischiefmanager — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 16:53:13 +0000

And a happy new year to you too, Becky!

By: rodriguez

rodriguez — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 16:10:29 +0000

ouch!