Comments on How does looking into a Looking Glass look like?

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I never thought this to be one of his better ones; but for the universality of it, it is most effective. Another thing I noticed about the poem is how the rhyme scheme and word placement are so effective. For example: cold to me is partnered with equanimity, they may appear to be somber but it is more like a person in a position where tears or weakness would not be shed for love nor money, the steadfastness of it all! The noontide tells me it is like a sunny day for the sun is shinning and that it can't be all that bad to quietly slide into the eventual end, calmly! I like the universality of it like you said for we can all see ourselves in reflection for we know we will all be in the same state! Nice work on explaining, I tip my poetic hat! I know when it is good for you get me observing and thinking! sam

posted by sam444 on December 15, 2009 at 9:22 PM | link to this | reply

Sinome
As I was telling elysian that the poem made me feel the anguish of the old people in general in this world. But not so my grandfather, who has been a mentor to me, passed away with not a day in fright or complaining despite severe suffering. Hardy reminded me of its opposite, however, I would much like to be like my grandad when Times comes acalling.

posted by anib on December 14, 2009 at 9:23 PM | link to this | reply

Re: TAPS
Thank you ever so much, ma'am. Your wisdom speaks in your observation that we are all sojourners in this place, and that it is a leveler, to come to all without fail; the beauty of certainty.

posted by anib on December 14, 2009 at 9:12 PM | link to this | reply

But, abanerjee, what you have given us is elevating--not sad.
We are all sojourners in this place, which definitely levels the playing field.
It is the beauty of certainty. 

posted by TAPS. on December 14, 2009 at 8:57 PM | link to this | reply

elysianfields
You keep telling me that I bring a smile on your face everytime, this one really doesn't. While I was reading the analysis on a site, I found something missing, the pathos and the sadness that so touched me while reading this poem, so I thought of presenting my own version. The lines you have quoted just came to my mind as to what to an old man time shortened in life and lengthened in sufferings must mean.You caught it and call it wisdom, and since I was carried away and wrote it from the heart, your comment has brought much smile and warmth to my heart. You are a blogit gem, ma'am. So s to you ...from ~ Aba.

posted by anib on December 14, 2009 at 8:51 PM | link to this | reply

TAPS
Oh TAPS, but you are so full of wisdom, so full of gaiety, so active, that I am simply amazed and think of you as a star of Blogit. I will sure give something that is more elevating than these in sadness.

posted by anib on December 14, 2009 at 8:42 PM | link to this | reply

I've seen a lot of that, some of them much younger than I. 
My days are numbered, but my times are in God's hand.

posted by TAPS. on December 14, 2009 at 8:36 PM | link to this | reply

"Time lets him neither live, nor die; in part, it "steals" away his life ... moment by moment, while letting him in part, to “abide” too,  in growing pain ... day by day. This is his unrelenting grief."  Aba, this is truly the lot of most - the aged - the feeble - and it is so very sad that they also share 'loneliness' in their growing pain and grief. I mention to all to embrace an aged, elderly soul --- Your writings ~ your studies are proving wisdom beyond your age, Aba - Great summation ~ Ely tips her heart to you ~

posted by elysianfields on December 14, 2009 at 8:30 PM | link to this | reply

What a great poem but how sad it is that the poet should wish his heart to get as thin as his skin has gotten... that he should wish that which has sustained his life would shrink so that he would not feel and so , he could wait for his end in lonliness ... I guess when hope is lost and all there is left is to wait for death... when there is nothing one looks forward after the end of one's life on this Earth,  the prospect of growing old could be quite scary and one could be tempted to wish for the absence of feelings so that suffering would be lessened. Very sad poem my friend xoxoxo

posted by Sinome on December 14, 2009 at 5:26 PM | link to this | reply

magic_moon
We see small chidren on the beach making elaborate castles, yes, in he sands of time, a wave comes and cruelly takes away their labor, their real homes, yet they laugh it all away, hold each other's hands and starts to rebuild again. One who has God's hands to hold, can laugh. Thanx moon.

posted by anib on December 14, 2009 at 4:16 PM | link to this | reply

Kabu
Aww, I think I'l now do some poems in cheer. But you'll remain the evergreen young elderly.

posted by anib on December 14, 2009 at 4:10 PM | link to this | reply

...i think about those enormous, beautiful, elaborate, painstakingly crafted sand castles that one sees on the beach...then the tide (time) comes in, washes it all away, leaves the beach so pristine there is no trace of anything ever having been there at all...moon

posted by magic_moon on December 14, 2009 at 1:25 PM | link to this | reply

I guess it doesn't offer a deal of comfort for the young elderly as I call
myself. Losing friends and becoming frail and wracked with pain...longing for death.

posted by Kabu on December 14, 2009 at 11:11 AM | link to this | reply