Thank you so much for the: Thank you so much for the comment, and for understanding and validating what I was attempting to say. And I appreciate your prayers. Although the catheter has totally failed, I have found some measure of relief from the initial pain such a failure causes, and the urologist was able to see me at 2:15 tomorrow on an emergency basis.
You reminded me of a Scripture of which I should be far more cognizant at my age, and which I have, in my usual careless way, neglected: Luke 7:47, in which Jesus equated forgiveness and how much we have loved, exactly as you said in your comment. I must keep this verse in the forefront of my mind as I continue to approach my departure time.
You have helped me more today than you might have anticipated when you posted the comment, and I appreciate the kindness.
"dawn at midnight" A vividly: "dawn at midnight" A vividly precise description of that hyper-aware, creative state we thrive on. Although I don't have the time to comment on all your elegant masterworks, I still enjoy your poetry when I get the chance to stop by. You're the real deal. Keep writing!
I hope and pray that you have: I hope and pray that you have found some relief from your physical anguish. My prayers go out to you in abundance and often. But in spite of your discomfort, you managed to be the cavalry over the hill by sharing your truly remarkable experience. It was a blessing on three levels:
First, there's no problem too large or too small that the One Who Watches Sparrows won't help us with because we are loved unconditionally and immeasurably.
Second, this seems like Matthew's way of saying: "I appreciate the remembrance, but hey, no need for sorrow. I'm doing great!" There are plenty of NDEs that prove that God is absolute, inexpressable love, and this extends to those who many religious people, in their ignorance, condemn because of their sexual orientation. In The Light, there's only one burning question: how much did we love?
Third, it's a miracle! We can all use a miracle in our life now and then, but the timing of your own personal sign and wonder was particularly intriguing.
I was lifted to a much higher place today by your thrilling testimony. Much needed refreshment! Thank you!
Thank you for your comment,: Thank you for your comment, and yes you are absolutely right about the "standards." As for the painting, I know nothing about art, but i know I was mighty impressed by it.
First, I must apologize for: First, I must apologize for not keeping up with your poems. Personal issues keep me behind right now, so please forgive me.
Next, let me say how very, very impressive this poem is. I love meta-poetry, and this is definitely a meta-poem. And the tone of your words is conversational, but the reader knows that this is definitely a poem, a superior poem, and not some prose scribble by a wannabe.
I applaud your accomplishment in this poem.
I don't know very much: But if your friend is anything like the "friends" I know who are similar, I doubt he holds himself up to these ridiculous "standards" he was trying to impose on you. Now I'm off to see a search engine about a painting...
I certainly learned something: I certainly learned something from this, today. I did not realize that Borges was self-taught; I presumed that, being a Librarian, he had studied formally. I really love his Poetry and I presumed he had done some formal preparation prior to writing it.
When I went to school, in the: When I went to school, in the days of the dinosaurs, we called it "junior high." But, by whatever name, you have described it very well. This poem revived some memories for me.
Writing and posting this poem: Writing and posting this poem surely requires an honesty and strength of character and soul that few of us can actually achieve. I applaud your accomplishment---not only verbally, but in the candor of your words. You are---truly---one of PostPoems' finest.
Oh, most certainly. The poem: Oh, most certainly. The poem exists because of your kindness; and the title is now correct because of what you pointed out. I am very grateful to you.