Yehuda Amichai’s “The Place Where We Are Right” and Kai Cheng Thom's "trauma is not sacred"
Poems as Teachers, Episodes 06 & 07
Dear friends,
Thanks for all you’ve posted during this week’s multiple Substacks and multiple episodes of Poetry Unbound.
Today’s the final day, with an episode spotlighting Yehuda Amichai’s timeless poem “The Place Where We Are Right” and a separate concluding episode featuring Kai Cheng Thom’s brilliant “trauma is not sacred.”
We are in a time when conflicts — global, international, long-standing, seemingly intractable — are on the news every day. Genocide, kidnap, torture, disputed borders, disparities of power, changing loyalties in international allyship … And, as the Belfast writer Claire Mitchell points out, there’s conflict about what the conflict’s about.
One thing that, I think, ties both of today’s poems together is the courage to reflect: What “doubts and loves” can be given time, in order to deepen the ground of consideration? What creativity and connection can be nurtured in order for the future to be imaginable without perpetuating further traumas? How do we “dig up the world” that we stand on, to discover the ghosts of where we are, listen to them, and be guided by what is likely to lead to continued life, rather than continued destruction?
To ask this is to ask a deep question of the self.
So that’s my question today: in situations where you’ve had some advantage, what’s supported you as you considered your power and made corresponding changes?
Friends, thank you for your comments this week. I have been moved to read them all, along with your interactions and conversations. I know that some of the poems will have found your sympathy easily; others will not. Somehow, this is one of our tasks: to keep talking, for the benefit of those who have suffered most.
Normal Substack service resumes this Sunday. I haven’t written Sunday’s letter yet, but there’s a high possibility it’ll feature a skylark.
With thanks to you for your sustained and sustaining conversation this week.
As an older and more experienced poet, I was worried about a younger poet reading at a place that was a little bit invite only last week. I wasn't sure what she'd say, and if it would be appropriate. I supported her anyway, even though I gritted my teeth and she stood up to read. Then something happened. She was amazing!! Totally blew me away. As well as the audience. One of her lines, which was taken from our theme of tradition, was "the only tradition is love.". So powerful, and so queer, and it taught me yet again to not judge people before they get a chance to show you who they are.
It is my dream too and even in these Anthropocene times full of hatred, violence and destruction of the Earth and its myriad inhabitants, I am beginning to see the beginnings of fulfillment…Perhaps it is inevitable regardless of what humans do, but I prefer to believe we can make a positive difference in realizing the dream, if not in our time, then for the children to come.
Hoofnote: I believe the “Land Back” movement in the USA and Canada is but one aspect toward realizing the dream. “Land Back” is an indigenous movement that is gaining broader support across the USA and Canada (Turtle Island). Most notably in Oklahoma, but also here in California. This is an example from my old ranger stomping grounds and the Yurok people I came to know.
Yurok leader offers insight on landmark project at 'O Rew - Save the Redwoods League
https://www.savetheredwoods.org/blog/yurok-leader-offers-insight-on-landmark-o-rew-project/?utm_campaign=rm-2024-05&utm_source=ea-rm&utm_medium=email&emci=454c48c8-2f13-ef11-96f3-6045bdd9e096&emdi=8c8a4738-d713-ef11-96f3-7c1e5214dad0&ceid=1062351
Dreaming of a Harmonious Earth — Center for Action and Contemplation
https://cac.org/daily-meditations/dreaming-of-a-harmonious-earth/