Thinking of you Azlfzal: Years have passed. I ran across this poem and read your comment. Thank you for the support you have me during this time in my life.
Rest in peace my dear friend. You are free.
Good to hear something worth: Good to hear something worth fighting for. Thank you so much, Starward-Led. I hope the "hymn of exiles" is not too long a read. It also has birthed an alternate second half.
Thank you, kind Sir, for: Thank you, kind Sir, for using my (hopefully final) screen name, and for the words of your comment. I am happy to report that, last week, I was able to be examined by one of our area's top neurologists (four months' wait for an appointment) and the meds he gave me have cleared away the fog of pain, and my thinking and perceptions are much improved.o
Most welcome StarwardLed. I: Most welcome StarwardLed. I do believe that stature is a matter of perception and the external and internal views are not always in accord. But you shall always have a sincere response from this pen.
I wish I had been able to: I wish I had been able to read this poem in the Autumn of 1975, when I had decided (October 13th) to abandon my abortive science fiction attempts and become a poet. This poem would have made me feel less isolated then. And that final stanza deserves to be in any textbook on Poetry. That final stanza is the entire summary of the Poets' duty and privilege. Having been a Freemason, I could wish there was a similar fraternity for Poets: and that last stanza would be required memorization for admission.
Thank you, Sir. A comment: Thank you, Sir. A comment from you, who are a Poet of the highest stature, is very important to me, and I really appreciate your interpretation of the poem.
As flawed as we humans can: As flawed as we humans can be, to find that compassionate grace and actually have faith in its Giver all worldly obstacles fade in the Presence. A true encouragement to all have fallen short of glory.