Only This

In the dark times.

In any given moment, 

something is so much 

alive that the honest 

witness could die of it. 

It is neither beautiful 

nor ugly, only vast––

and true.

Author: Stacey C. Johnson

I keep watch and listen, mostly in dark places.

15 thoughts on “Only This”

  1. Richard Q – A human being-question chasing after both God and nothingness. The internet is a disaster, but our starlessness might teach us something. I welcome our constant experimenting with ourselves with open arms, for ultimately they are attempts of life at living and growing in life. My dwelling is in Key West, while the dwellings of my loves are Indiana, New Mexico, Texas, Massachusetts and Arizona. These spaces are nothing. Love abides and love embraces.
    Richard Q says:

    Clear and astonishing. Thank you for this piece. I will keep it near my heart.

    Reply
  2. Richard Reeve – The Catskills – Richard Reeve is a consultant, entrepreneur, advocate, writer, digital artist, gardener, cook, and producer of all things involving Krater Café.
    Richard Reeve says:

    “Vast and True.” 🙏

    Reply
  4. chrisbkm – Chris Morrison was born on the north shore of Lake Superior and currently lives by the Atlantic on the north shore of Nova Scotia, Canada.
    chrisbkm says:

    Many years ago (decades) I found a brochure in a ditch at the side of a gravel road. It was from one of the organized religious groups bent on saving souls. Enough about that. Anyway, it was on the back of it that I first read the words, “Be still, and know that I am God.” Regardless of my belief system, these were some of the most powerful word I’ve ever read and have more or less become a personal mantra. The words have a way of stopping me in my tracks and bringing me to a momentary state of “presence”. This all came immediately to mind when I read your powerful poem/insight.

    Reply

    1. That line is very close to my heart. Once, during a particularly challenging life phase, I found a piece of wood , stained it, and stenciled the words across it, to hang on the wall as a reminder. I no longer live in that space, nor do I need the words visible, they are so deeply ingrained. Thank you so much for sharing this, Chris! It certainly adds to my appreciation of kindred sensibilities : )

      Reply
      1. The Portly Politico – Tyler James Cook is a singer-songwriter in Lamar, South Carolina. He is formerly of The Lovecrafts and Brass to the Future, and currently performs regularly as a solo artist at local open mic nights. He sings and plays sax, keys, and a little bass. He loves songwriting contests, even if he isn't cool or talented enough to win them. He won the 2012 Artsville Songwriting Contest's People's Choice Prize for his original song "Contest Winner." He also maintains _The Portly Politico_, a politics and culture blog, at https://theportlypolitico.wordpress.com.
        The Portly Politico says:

        Some of the most beautiful Words ever written. “Be still” is part with which I struggle the most, but when I am, He Speaks.

  6. Bartholomew Barker – Hillsborough, North Carolina – Bartholomew Barker is an organizer of Living Poetry, a collection of poets in the Triangle region of North Carolina where he has hosted a monthly feedback workshop for more than decade. His first poetry collection, Wednesday Night Regular, written in and about strip clubs, was published in 2013. His second, Milkshakes and Chilidogs, a chapbook of food inspired poetry was served in 2017. He was nominated for a Pushcart Prize in 2021. Born and raised in Ohio, studied in Chicago, he worked in Connecticut for nearly twenty years before moving to Hillsborough where he lives and writes poetry.
    Bartholomew Barker says:

    Gorgeous! One of your best.

    Reply
    2. The Portly Politico – Tyler James Cook is a singer-songwriter in Lamar, South Carolina. He is formerly of The Lovecrafts and Brass to the Future, and currently performs regularly as a solo artist at local open mic nights. He sings and plays sax, keys, and a little bass. He loves songwriting contests, even if he isn't cool or talented enough to win them. He won the 2012 Artsville Songwriting Contest's People's Choice Prize for his original song "Contest Winner." He also maintains _The Portly Politico_, a politics and culture blog, at https://theportlypolitico.wordpress.com.
      The Portly Politico says:

      Yes! Very apt, Allie.

      Reply

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