(I wrote this poem in college. It can be read either as a dialogue between two people or as an internal dialogue.)
"this is me"
this is the way i dance:with flirting eyes
and swimming arms,
with eyes that taunt
and smiles that warm-
i feel.
this is the path i walk:
in the dew grass
and around the ant hill;
see how they scurry around!
i like the sweet smell of dirt-
i know.
this is how i worship:
with closed lips and open eyes,
with tears burning,
i sing like that-
i hear.
this is how i love:
with one thigh over
and the intoxication
shattering reality-
i see.
this is how i write my poem:
with silver drops
sliding down the banister,
singing songs of heroes
in the puddles of tales
and my toes get muddy,
wet hair hanging in my eyes-
may i...
here is how i sleep:
when and if i do,
between the sheets
of yesterday and tomorrow,
i lie-
...touch you?
(photo is of Natasha Khan, singer/songwriter for Bat for Lashes.)
As I think about our relationship to our bodies, I'm wondering: can you discover more about yourself alone or with another body? Do you discover different things about yourself when you are alone? What do you think?
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Comments
This is a beautifully written dialogue. It's a great piece in your series. Thank you for it.
As far as your question: I believe it wholly depends on the individuals involved. Genuine intimacy with another may allow us to learn so much about ourselves and them. But take that precious element out of the equation and we often can learn more on our own.
Rated and appreciated,/i>.
scanner: interesting thoughts. I think it's so important to have a patient partner and to be patient with yourself. Self-discovery is a long journey.
Robin: thank you so much. Your writing does the same for me.
Torman: Hmmm. I think you know the answer, but it probably won't fit into a comment field. :)
rita: you hit on something so beautiful. Each phase does bring something new and lovely. We shouldn't ever stop growing or evolving.
As for your question: I certainly think that you discover different things when you are with somebody than you do when you are alone. That said, I believe that learning things BOTH ways is invaluable.
To answer you, from my experiences I have learned almost all of what I know about my body from my experiences with other people. Only in the last two or three years has any self-exploration occurred. So right now, I learn the most by myself. But it doesn't ever diminish what I learn with another.
Two people sharing real intimacy are both student and teacher.
R
I love your idea of writing about the body and you do so in a profound and beautiful way. The second to last stanza is my favorite - full of such rich imagery. I see you have your poem working on two levels as what is on the right side completes its own poem...write on!
Safe: thank you! and yes, I think you need to have it both ways.
Ash: thank you so much. I learn so much from your comments. You need to write more posts!
Donna: I like that and it's a little kinky. Student and Teacher.
WalkAwayHappy: Awwww. (Blushing.)
GJI: Interestingly enough, I had to learn about myself from others first. But, yes, I think you're right about most people.
Scarlett: thank you so very much!
Beautiful, you should embrace this early talent more.
Rated.
Ash: (Searching for magic wand.) Ta-da! More time! Did it work? :)
Procopius: my hubby thinks the same thing. But I find the male body rather intriguing.
Robin: I mean it!
Caroline: agreed.
Thoth: I really hesitated about posting poetry because I don't think I'm a very good poet. Thank you so much for the encouragement.
I'm so pleased that you are devoting yourself to an exploration of the mind/body connection. For me, they cannot be separated. That doesn't mean I can be reduced to either my mind or my body, but rather, that both of them are me, and to pretend otherwise is to denigrate that which I was given at birth.
I love what you're doing. Just want you to know I'm supporting you.
the question is: can you discover more about YOURSELF
alone or with another body..
well..there is the matter of "giving"...you can certainly
practice giving on yrself, by maybe
making an alterego lover come to life in your hands
and your lips,
and make love all by yrself for practice.
we're all the same, bodily-pleasure/wisdom-wise,
yet infinitely different. i'd say practice on yrself
and then learn what you need and crave,
then invite a pleasing partner in
and go bonkers learning what he/she likes and needs...
result? well...a bigger universe.
a far vaster universe.
of trembling flesh.
lovely, Gwendolyn
of yesterday and tomorrow"
I love that line.
:-)
Love my alone time...to get to know who I am in the moment, to know my body that thirsts for more.