AUTHOR STATEMENT:
My poetry looks to positively explore human potential, with an emphasis on love, spiritual growth and self awareness. It is very important to me that my work remains as open, accessible and as simply expressed as possible. My influences vary from the great traditional English visionary romantics through to the distillation of thought and leanness of expression offered by the Japanese haiku tradition, the shining examples of Rilke and Gibran – as well as (being a fully committed free verse poet…) the later technical breakthroughs achieved by leading Scottish concrete poets Ian Hamilton Finlay and Edwin Morgan.
WHAT THE CRITICS SAY:
“To write and sell poetry at a profit these days is a minor victory and a major achievement. Scott’s words gently unlock and force you to face and look at the world with a little more optimism. There are moments of deep joy and others, which take your breath away with simple incredible honesty”
G. White
“Scott Hastie’s verse is sympathetic, humanistic and positively affirmative. Accessibility is the touchstone of all Hastie’s output. The spiritual element in his writing is clear.”
G.E. Jones
“Scott writes meditative, reflective poetry that is steeped in the traditions of English verse. Concise and richly evocative, he should be widely read.”
R. Godwin
“Via an invisible gilded chain of perception, Scott Hastie generously leads us through an enthusiastic re-invention of the possibilities of new experience. His inspired words bestride the world with such ease, touching the deepest sensibilities of human beings everywhere.”
Sahar Tavakoli
YOUR COMMENTS
Punam on New Poem – Come what may…
A poem of hope, of wisdom, of humility…what a wonderful write, Scott.
Sanaa Rivzi on New Poem – Come what may…
Gorgeous, gorgeous write, Scott! Your words truly make us contemplate everything that surrounds ❤❤
Mish on New Poem – Come what may…
You speak the truth and so eloquently. The simplicity of kind hearts and humility is so underestimated. Life changing… World changing…
Ain on New Poem – Come what may…
In the midst of dark beautiful brooding lines about our fate,
“an illusion of progress
It’s hard to shake off”
There are real truth…
Paul Bowles on New Poem – Come what may…
Ancient seeds, something hidden, forgotten in us, a pattern of our being in a seed that opens only upon realisation. How to claim it….humility.
So nicely constructed Scott, thank you for it.
Merrill D. Smith on New Poem – Come what may…
A poem of hope that if only. . . let us hope that we can “claim this vision.” Thank you for sharing, Scott.
Hedgewitch on New Poem – Come what may…
“An illusion of progress/It’s hard to shake off.” And that is what holds us back from real progress. I love the brooding moon that hides the kinder dream which yet may live.
Lillian on New Poem – Come what may…
Most especially love the stanza about the brooding moon.
Paul Phillips on New Poem – Come what may…
The apparent tragedy of our way of living is countered here by the optimism of the way we could become. A beautiful ‘resolve’, Scott.
Brendan on New Poem – Come what may…
Would that humanity not have to learn humility through its humiliations. Ah well. Humbled, we enter the kingdom of Here and Now …
ms jadeli on New Poem – Come what may…
As long as one can see hope, darkness will not prevail.
Glenn Buttkus on New Poem – Come what may…
Scott, a solid plea to “the angels of our better nature” ; even though it didn’t bode so well for Lincoln. In some ways you are asking us to tap dance on a wet mossy decline while blindfolded–and yet no one should deny your message.
Xenia Tran on New Poem – Come what may…
Beautifully written Scott, I love how in our hearts, a kinder dream still speaks …
Laura Laveglia on New Poem – Come what may…
Scott as always a Stellar write!
If we can have more faith or hope what a beautiful place our world would be
I just loved this new poem. It speaks to me in huge proportions as I constantly work on my hope♥️
Wendy Waters on New Poem – Come what may…
A lovely summation of the worst of times! I fear that if we do not learn soon to “live simply that others may simply live” then Mother Nature will step up her retaliatory vengeance and humanity will be given an eviction notice. Perhaps there is room in the Ark for a couple of poets to spool the thread of a great culture that once promised so much and delivered so little.
Nivedita Yohana on New Poem – Come what may…
Your new piece ‘Come what may…’ is a gem. It is a true testament to your pristine divine soul. It is infused with timeless wisdom that will hold true for future generations. Even if someone 500 years from now, is reading this, they would understand and lovingly nod in agreement with you. I love how it ends:
To claim this vision
More courageously,
Here and now
Yes, it indeed needs courage, integrity and focus to claim this vision. Often, we get distracted by a myriad of opinions and fears leading to existence in limbo. If we do not fix our sight unwaveringly on this vision, we are only wasting time and inviting sorrow and misery to our pity party.
Dee Ashby on New Poem – Come what may…
Oh Yes.. here and now.
Another fine poem. Thank you for sharing your vision.
Helen on New Poem – Come what may…
The beauty of your writing brought tears to my eyes ….. thank you for the wisdom, the inspiration.
Neena Sharma on New Poem – Come what may…
Oh, your Poem brings in Hope And Joy…We indeed ought to be less acquisitive and competitive and a forgiving lot. The twin virtues of Humility and Patience do bring us closer to God.
I just Loved the concluding two stanzas that sum up all:
“But wait!
In our hearts
A far kinder dream
Speaks to us still,
Apparent
It’s shape
Belongs to heaven.
Oh, that we could ever
Acquire the humility,
The lift of true grace
To claim this vision
More courageously,
Here and now.”
Congratulations my esteemed Poet Friend, Scott Hastie for this phenomenal creative Piece!
We need to infuse more Kindness and Compasson…during the time of Upheaval-The World Needs it More!
Thank you for the gracious share!
Fondly
Neena
Aria Ligi on New Poem – Come what may…
I think the heart of this is:
The lessons of the past
Repeatedly urging
Upon us
A far more generous,
More forgiving,
Less acquisitive
Pattern of being.
In which the speaker talks about forgiveness, something much needed but not often seen.
John Lysaght on New Poem – Come what may…
I enjoyed reading your newest poem and felt connected with the sentiment of the importance
that we push forward in times of great and persistent upheaval armed with hope and guided by
God`s grace.
Ada Aharoni on New Poem – Come what may…
I loved your new poem!
It inspired me to write a poem on my own deep aspirations and to check how they measure with what went on before and whether progress is looming in the future…
Jan Marquat on New Poem – Come what may…
Many beautiful phrases in this poem that stopped me to reflect before I could go on.
Mahnaz on New Poem – Come what may…
Reading this poem, I felt my heart was filled the light of wisdom.
What a wonderful start for such an evocative summer! Thank you abundantly, dear Scott!
Lee San on New Poem – Come what may…
A poem of gentle lines, and how I like that prayer at the end. 🙂
John J. Lysaght on New Poem – Come what may…
Scott, a timely message for us as we wade through layers of serious uncertainty that within our hearts we can continue to inspire hope and perseverance guided and fortified by God`s grace.
Magaly Guerrero on New Poem – Come what may…
“Oh, that we had learnt!” indeed. We continue to fall prey to horrors of our own creation, over and over. It makes no sense.
William Bain on New Poem – Come what may…
Lovely Scott. “lift of grace”… That seems to me a particularly good phrasing. Coincidentally I looked at your site a week or so ago
Hardshit Bhardwaj on New Poem – Come what may…
Here and Now is the ultimate mantra that’s closest to reality.
Loved it.
Lorraine Hall on New Poem – Come what may…
You remind me of Monty Woods!
Shari Roberts on New Poem – Come what may…
To emote such emotion with so few words is a beautiful gift!
Dr Jelka Parabirsing on New Poem – Come what may…
Dear Scott,
Thanks to your beautiful poem, my trembling heart shoots forth, a little more courageously. Thank you and thanks to your followers and friends too. May Love reign over fear.
on New Poem – Come what may…
“Oh, that we could ever
Acquire the humility,
The lift of true grace
To claim this vision
More courageously,
Here and now.”
That is the challenge, isn’t it? Optimism is like the sun, rising and setting on the drama of human folly. Were it a story crafted with more kindness and compassion, it might be worth a sequel.
Pamela on New Poem – Come what may…
Beautiful work as always, Scottie.
Laura Bailey on New Poem – Come what may…
Beautiful and hopeful words of wisdom.
Thank you dear Scottie for the lovely share !
Penelope on New Poem – Come what may…
My favorite verse, too. There IS a kinder dream in our hearts … maybe one day we finally will make that dream real. It will probably be under threat of total annihilation though. Oh, wait! That is the threat!
Nicola Tipton on New Poem – Come what may…
Beautiful
Gillena on New Poem – Come what may…
“But wait!
In our hearts
A far kinder dream
Speaks to us still,
Apparent
It’s shape
Belongs to heaven.”
My favourite verse
Muchlove
Mary on New Poem – Come what may…
Thank you, Scott, for stilling your mind to write, and sharing your words. Your poems always bring me so much peace and joy.
Moyo J on New Poem – Come what may…
Amazing piece of art. Thanks for sharing, Scott.
Rebecca O’Donnell on New Poem – Come what may…
This poem is needed. Beautiful. Thank you, Word Artist.
Colleen Redman on New Poem – Come what may…
I’ve been seeing world events in most of the poems I’ve been reading. Even the moon is brooding. But I feel comforted by the kinder dream that lives in the individual and collective psyche.
Colleen Redman on New Poem –Call me the breeze…
I love the idea of being the breeze. Is this the afterlife? I did see the Beatles documentary and loved it so.
Tapan Kumar Gosh on New Poem – Come what may…
Thanks for sharing this poem
Rosemary Nissan-Wade on New Poem – Come what may…
Oh, I echo the prayer in your final verse!
Rommy on New Poem – Come what may…
It’s hard to hear that heart’s voice sometimes, but when I do I cling to it with all my might. It’s only by envisioning a kinder world is possible that we can play a part in helping it become that way.
Margaret Nash on New Poem – Come what may…
“an illusion of progress”. Sums up today. Perfectly.
Rebecca Ramsden on New Poem – Come what may…
I appreciate the feeling of hope, that humans could and can raise above the current tantrums.
Thanks for that new breath for this morning during the Buck Moon in Capricorn.
Sunaina Sindhwani on New Poem – Come what may…Wow …
“A far kinder dream speaks to us still…” It’s so beautiful. Your writing is phenomenal.
Thank you Scott
Don MacIver on New Poem – Life is …
Dear Scott, your words here are bathed in the purity of hope that is our restitution when all else feels impossible to comprehend, to overcome. Your closing words bring promise for a world far less known than in our younger years. The human spirit seems cast in disrepair, yet your perspective is bathed with warmth and assurance in:
“Nature has its own acumen,
Its own steady intent
And will show us
The way back home,
If we allow it to.” Truly marvellous, my friend.
Don MacIver on Joy…
Such inspired words, and heartwarming indeed, Scott. I find that life has become so multidimensional and not always in a good way. What level of the human spirit do we possess without the joy of a smile? This is so feel-good for me this day!
Don MacIver on New Poem – The Spark …
Very nicely done, Scott! I so enjoy your writings, and equally so, the many responses that in themselves are really quite sublime, considered, and worthy of praise for your work, indeed.
Try as I might, I struggle to choose the most favoured of stanzas as with every successive read, I am captured by the essence of your focus, your enduring magic line by line.
JT Smith on New Poem – The Spark…
Greetings,
the first line of the stanza reminds us there was a void before creation, the spark. i think life is temporal on earth and we must live in it wholly and truly. the narrator is a Seeker of sorts, always pushing through the psychic doors and portals. i was intrigued with the elegant simplicity of this verse. certain lines such a bowl of tears, the spark threadbare between the rocks. i often ponder on our existence and how our awareness is connected to how we dream. i might know things like our wanderlust author but i have to experience more of what Love is & who pretends to be.
Helen on New Poem – The Spark …
An amazing write ~~ I found your poem sensuous and deeply moving.
Lawrence Cheong on New Poem – The Spark…
There is so much optimism and wisdom in your words.
Rajani on New Poem – The Spark …
For there’s
No other way
To be generous here.
– That verse resonated so much.. excellently put together!
Magaly Guerrero on New Poem – The Spark…
You make such magic with imagery, Scott. The closing stanza, in particular, will linger in my mind and heart for some time. It reads like a glimpse of hope, waiting to be made real.
Debi Swim on New Poem – The Spark …
The ending of your poem comes with a bittersweet feel. Longing, regret and hope entwined. What is that crack? An abyss or a heaven? How can we tell from here.
Scott says:
Indeed! I guess that is the ultimate of conundrum of life and stuck being mortal, as we are, makes it hard to grasp all we should. But I think that is why we are here, to engage in this both glorious and sometimes cruel struggle to grow closer to fulfilling our true potential. Thanks for your provoking thoughts Debi
Rommy on New Poem – The Spark…
I love the idea of a spark being a communal thing and making an impression on every life it touches.
Rosemary Nissen Wade on New Poem – The Spark …
Expressing the ineffable takes some doing! You’ve managed it in a lovely way.
Marja on New Poem – The Spark…
Wow! Absolutely enjoyed this and that last stanza was the cream on the cake
Kiana Kleem on New Poem – The Spark …
Scott -your words are always so refreshing and encouraging!
Paul Bowles on New Poem – The Spark…
What I gleaned from your ‘The Spark’ was ………’awareness,’ if it happens at all – is fleeting. A promising spark which, if unable to ignite our eager but undisciplined selves is left ‘threadbare’ as you said, unable to pick up the torch of consciousness, leaving such energies behind us. That’s the stain.
The……’ giving back gloriously at our own expense into a rinsing bowl of tears’ is perhaps the poem which seeks to remedy the tragedy of not quite making it when you wanted to or expected or hoped.
Many years ago back in the 1970’s I experienced a period of enhanced consciousness which appeared as a result of breathing exercises at the time, part of a course in Rosicrucian studies It was as if I was tuned into a radio, and was listening to a broadcast which engaged and fascinated me so much that I didn’t want to disturb it by stopping to write it down. Subsequently it drained away and I realised afterward that I didn’t have the training to retain it. The experience will always be particularly mine to remember but all content, I guess must have become subconscious. This is how I would relate to awareness and the loss, “the sparkle of our dreams caught threadbare between the rocks.”
Adda Davis on New Poem – The Spark …
To me, this was an ode to optimism. Life has its struggles; a baby struggles being born, struggles to walk, struggles to survive, but the joy of exploration, of conquering really talks about the “zest for life.” I found this poem inspiring.
Joel Savage on New Poem – The Spark…
Here you are again Scott, with another intriguing poem. “Giving back, Gloriously, At our own expense, Into a rinsing bowl, Of tears,” are some of the few lines I find this poem special.
Maxim Chernikov on New Poem – The Spark …
I really liked the your poem “Spark”. You have managed to find the perfect rhythmic key, optimal for the content! As for the grain, the core of the narrative – I generally perceived this wonderful work as a poetic treatise on GREATNESS in the universe of the Universe of the SMALL! From a small spark to a Big Bang and the emergence of EVERYTHING! I felt the “nascence” of life in the “spark” of the molecule; the tragedy, greatness, sacrifice of love. But what does it mean for me, a fellow creative craft, a poet, to enter the hypostasis of the dry insipidity of a literary critic!? I will say one thing – everything is great! I liked it very much.
Shari Roberts on New Poem – The Spark…
Mission accomplished, again. This poem speaks to the soul as eloquently as your others. Love this so much. Keep up the great writing Scott.
Neena Sharma on Joy…
So Naive And Nice…
CONGRATS!
Neena Sharma on New Poem – The Spark…
How touching Scottie sir! So profound, with pathos and Pain of a Void left in Life; A Spark waiting to burst from its own cocoon
Another insightful creativity coming out of your brain child…Congrats!
I almost read it with a heavy heart…So many wonderful Childhood memories rolled out…Oh My My…
”
Giving back
Gloriously
At our own expense
Into a rinsing bowl
Of tears.
The sparkle
Of our dreams
Caught threadbare,
Between the cracks.”
A Spark/le rising from a Void, our depression shell…
So True Indeed!
Thank You for this true to life poem…One of your Very Fine Marvels, carved out of your sheer creativity, your very sensitive, philosophical and insightful mind.
Warm Greetings and Regards
Neena
P.S. A Very Healthy Happy Blessed B’day…May you be surrounded with Peace and Happiness; Hope and Positivity, ever so!
PJ on New Poem – The Spark …
A glorious escape…
Munia Khan on Joy…
Such a joy to behold and read and relish…As amazing as the transparent serenity of raindrops. Love it, Scott.
Munia Khan on New Poem – The Spark …
Yet another beautiful piece of work. Such stains, such energy behind us..I echo your poetical thoughts, Scott. A sparkling poem to ponder over. I love it.
John Lysaght on Joy…
With “Joy,” I felt a connection with the idea of allowing joy to take place and that feeling foolish can be liberating.
John Lysaght on New Poem – The Spark …
Scott, as I read “Spark,” I visualized a survivalist gently encouraging a spark, a glowing ember, to begin to kindle a lifesaving flame. This light is something we all need to nurture, especially during such trying times. It also allows us to contribute to the well-being of
others.
Laura Bailey on Joy…
Wonderful !!
Laura Bailey on New Poem – The Spark …
Beautiful thoughts magnificently voiced !
Thank you dear Scott so much for sharing !!
Maxim Chernikov on New Poem – The Spark …
Dear Scott!
In our crazy time, I am at a loss as to how best protect the fragile body of poetry from cruelty, brutality, ignorance, so I am very glad that inspiration does not leave you, no matter what!
Margaret Nash on New Poem – The Spark…
Lovely words…
Margaret Nash on New Poem – Joy …
Lovely poetry…
Nivedita Yohana on Joy…
This is truly mind-blowing! “A little foolish in the world, and thank God for that!!” I suppose these few words sum up what many academic and philosophy books attempt to articulate but are too conceited to accept the existential truth.
Nivedita Yohana on New Poem – The Spark …
I loved this poem. You have captured the very kernel of the life process so intensely. I like the way it begins, the spark in a void – it reminds me of how our universe first began billions of years ago, like “a spark in a void” just as how life begins in a mother’s womb. It ends with the sparkle of our dreams caught threadbare between the cracks. I loved the play of the words – ‘spark’ and ‘sparkle’. It is a blessing to have lived a life that catches threadbare, a tiny sparkle of our dreams between its cracks. Just as it springs hope to see sparkle of light between the cracks in the sky. From the rinsing bowl of tears… a great metaphor to the fact that tears can give us clarity and compassion, which are most needed in the world now than ever before.
Rebecca O.Donnell on New Poem – The Spark…
Thank you for still sharing your soul soothing work.
Jan Marquat on New Poem – The Spark …
And yes,
We all leave
Such stains,
Such energies
Behind us,
For there’s
No other way
To be generous here.
I love this!!
Jenna on New Poem – The Spark…
Very nice!
Nyona Matende on New Poem – The Spark …
Thanks for your poetic pieces Mr. Scott. The latest one (The Spark) artistically expresses the rudeness with which the universe leaves us at the mercy of fate. Looking forward for the next one.
Best Regards, Nyona
John Lysaght on New Poem – The Spark…
Scott, a fine poem which, to me, signals that we are all part of a continuum and that we have a responsibility to participate in this journey and to awaken a spark from within to enlighten the darkness, the void that may surround us.
Gayle Walters Rose on New Poem – The Spark…
A spark can take us in many directions. I love your second verse that speaks of beginning life and your last stanza is just beautiful!
Mary Dahl on New Poem – The Spark …
Inspiring, Scott, as always. Thank you.
Rob Kistner on New Poem – The Spark…
Scott, this bursts forth with energy truth — with the essence of birth and life. Just beautiful my friend.
The spark
In a void,
Once only a shell.
A curl,
A husk of life,
A chrysalis
Waiting to burst.
This is truly kicks ass with the life force of the poet Gods — loved it my friend!
Bob Mitchell on New Poem – The Spark …
As you already know, I love your poetry – I wish I could write as well as you do! Always good to savour your exquisite writing…
Katy Jiang on New Poem – The Spark…
From soul to soul
awakening and inspiring…
Thanks, Scott,
for sharing such a wonderful poem!
Mahnaz on Joy…
Inspiring!
Mahnaz on New Poem – The Spark…
Remarkable and inducive, dear Scott! Thanks!
Mrityunjay Dixit (Jay) on New Poem – The Spark …
Touching and meditative piece.
msjadeli on New Poem – The Spark…
A wonderful turn of phrase:
“A morning look
That welcomes
Warmth,”
How could a day go wrong with a start like that?
Jeffrey Bennett on New Poem – The Spark …
The deepest image for me here is the exchange of water, clear for salt, at the end. In the beginning of the poem, water is contained in the chrysalis. It lies side by side with life, nestled next to one another, sharing warmth, exchanging messages. Everyone’s messages are collective, ancient then. It seems as though we do observe the sparkle of life, two forces throwing sparks, between the cracks.
Thanks for sharing this insightful poem.
Laura Laveglia on New Poem – The Spark…
Feelings of a child!! So pure so innocent
I never want to grow up!!!
Ken Gierke on New Poem – The Spark …
Birth or rebirth, the captures that moment when even a simple seed…
“the sparkle
Of our dreams
Caught threadbare,
Between the cracks.”
…can give rise to something greater than all of us.
John Rachel on New Poem – The Spark…
“The sparkle
Of our dreams
Caught threadbare,
Between the cracks.”
From a spark in a void to the sparkle of our dreams. What a brilliant evolution! Yet, bittersweet. Because that is the structure of reality, and we live as we must.
Another excellent piece by a genius with the language.
A.H. Starlingsson on New Poem – The Spark …
The verse takes us in the direction we want it to go, and you left it just open enough to do do, that spark, yes, however…the last stanza just stunned, absolutely stunned..
Brendan on New Poem – The Spark…
Hey Scott — the infinitesimal that leaps between I and Thou dances and entrances here. You catch in in a nonverbal space with poetry.
Jim Feeney on New Poem – The Spark …
“a rinsing bowl of tears”…..excellent, a wise and meditative poem.
Dee Ashby on New Poem – The Spark…
This certainly tugged on the heart strings. It awakens the truths of
both the pains and pleasures of life.
Merrill D. Smith on New Poem – The Spark …
I like how the spark moves through time and space, finally becoming the sparkle of our dreams. . .even if they vanish, too.
Punam on New Poem – The Spark…
A very meditative verse coming full circle.
Glenn Buttkus on New Poem – The Spark …
A subtle through line, illustrating how in the end all things merge, and return to the original spark.
Ingrid on New Poem – The Spark…
Wonderfully crafted, Scott: may our dreams continue to sparkle through dark times!
Bjorn Rudberg on New Poem – The Spark …
There is wisdom in this… that spark that makes us human, giving even in a bowl of tears. The greatest gift is sometimes to accept what is given.
Jaya Avendel on Joy…
Such simple and relatable thought!
Bonnie Toomey on New Poem – The Spark …
These works are a salve of calm in this chaotic and hurt world. Truth is paramount.
Aria Ligi on New Poem – The Spark…
This is a lovely poignant piece that reaches its height in the last two paragraphs
“Giving back
Gloriously
At our own expense
Into a rinsing bowl
Of tears.
The sparkle
Of our dreams
Caught threadbare,
Between the cracks.”
then leaves the reader pondering.
William Bain on New Poem – The Spark …
From spark to sparkle….. I love the way this moves from cosmic nature through human frailty and on to a kind of open understanding. Nicely crafted!
Tapan Kumar Ghosh on New Poem – The Spark …
Excellent…
Sasho Ognenovski on New Poem – The Spark…
Thank you for your brilliant latest poem. I’ll translate it and include
it in our new e-magazine
Barbara Kasey Smith on New Poem – The Spark …
Scott, your writings always introduce creative images that burst the awesome imaginations of this reader, fulfilling the empty spaces the reader desires.
Chrissa Sandlin on New Poem – The Spark…
Glorious! This left a smile on my face.
Gillena on New Poem – The Spark …
Coming alive in a new day is a gratitude even though thefe is the sadness of your “rinsing bowl of tears”
Congratulations on this new poem
Muchlove
Maureen Scanlon on New Poem – The Spark…
Dear Scott,
Your words paint a beautiful picture. I really like your poetry, have a wonderful day.
Frances Etheridge on New Poem – The Spark …
“The Spark”, while progressing meditatively, is suddenly, abruptly, changing from seed breaking the ground to “And yes, We all leave Such stains,” etc. and I wonder is there something missing between “To leave its mark” and “And yes, We all leave Such stains”?
Scott says:
Many Thanks for your thoughtful response Francis – much appreciated – always good to have some critical feedback. I myself tend to think that the ‘swelling mound’ stanza helps fill the gap you are speaking to here. Though I will continue to mull on the point you make here…
Sunaina Sindhwani on Joy…
Loved your words here. So true is this…
Sunaina Sindhwan on New Poem – The Spark …
It’s phenomenal.
Congratulations Scott .Everytime you surprise us with a wonderful poem .
Keep shining ✨️
Sayed Rohani on New Poem – The Spark…
I think nothing can explain it better than your own words here: “bowl of tears,” and “the spark of our dreams caught threadbare.”
Don MacIver on New Poem – Life is…
Scott, in reading the foregoing, I find myself breathless in the profound message of light and living that you forge through every single written work. These are the most tangible of written expressions stripped of any gloss in the confluence of light and ethereal being. One cannot but marvel at the potential derivatives spawned from such light.
I/we are gifted to have embraced your written expression for all these years and any and all life remaining. I am humbled by your presence, your friendship, and your exquisite ability to do as you seek with your words; bringing each word, phrase and ingratiating line in verse from its inception to your/our final discovery.
You are touched by divine grace that was indeed truly meant to possess your heart and soul and in turn, touch our own life experience in ways never imagined possible. Light, your light, is a truly powerful transference of energy and enlightenment that serves the most humble essence and core of life, our lives, in an undeniably altruistic manner.
Godspeed.
Jaya Avendel on New Poem – Life is…
I came into this thinking it might be too long, but each word is so necessary and contributes its whole to the overall image in a powerful and beautifully poetic way!
Sahar Tavakoli on New Poem – Life is…
I am always inspired by what you do with words and how you create beauty and hope in your works. Unfortunately, I encountered hard times with this Covid disease but hopefully, everything is fine now. Sometimes it is even hard to think about the future and have plans as everything is affected by this virus but still, as an artist, I feel to have a mission and I get the power to go on.
I am so happy to read your poems and I always heave a sigh of remedy after reading your lines. I am so proud of you and I am so happy to have you as my unseen friend.
May you always be happy and in peace.
Love,
Sahar
Yvonne T. Osbourne on New Poem – Life is…
I love “nourishment so rich you could run a knife through it” One such splash of life is worth all the injury and despair.
Sara McNulty on New Poem – Life is…
“A sacred hamper
Of hope then,
For far tougher days
Ahead,”
Accepting darkness and light is life itself. Beautiful poem, Scott!
Rommy on New Poem – Life is…
If only more of us could get out of our own way on the path back home.
Magical Mystical Teacher on New Poem – Life is…
The way back home is sometimes long, but we will get there with persistence…and love!
Rajani on New Poem – Life is…
The closing lines hit home.. ! We do need guiding hands that will help us find our way back home…
Rosemary Nissen-Wade on New Poem – Life is…
Here’s hoping we all start listening well enough to Nature to follow Her direction!
Helen L. Dehner on New Poem – Life is…
Reading your words of encouragement, positivity, wisdom .. a great way to begin my day. Cheers.
Phillip A. Woodruff on New Poem – Life is…
“Feeble creatures
As we are,
Somehow mysteriously
Never quite able
To see round the corner.”
that’s a fairly true statement. enjoyed this very much
Maxim Chernikov on New Poem – Life is…
I just had a lot of problems, and I’m still trying to get out from under it. But your poem is just a wonderful illustration of this! As always, easy, simple and sincere.
I’ve always liked your poems, I wrote to you about this. Despite the fact that I am a loyal fan and supporter of rhyme, your poetry is a pleasant and joyful exception for me! Although the sound-structural aspect that rhyme gives is very important to me. A special musical language, which is perfectly felt in alliteration. But I am very pleased with what you have shared. I got a lot of pleasure from it. Heartfelt thanks! Everything is the same for me. I live only by poetry, creativity, inspiration. Thank God for a sense of humour, but every time it gets blacker and blacker!
Well, I will continue my existence according to your recipe in your poem: “Life is suffering speckled with joy …”
I shake your hand firmly, With Best Wishes!
JT Smith on the Indelible Presence…
Even the most simplest of terms can leave so much vibrancy and depth like those colours, endless and without abandonment.
JT Smith on New Poem – Life is…
I think Nature is always constant, the birth death and resurrection of its forms. as human beings we rarely learn from our grievances. we continue to plunder our hope and dirge away. i do believe we can co-exist with a new flame of interconnectivity. Thanks Scott. these lines are a healing balm for our kindred soul.
Robert Ray on New Poem – Life is…
Life is – a struggle and is meant to be but also a sunset in an evening at sea.
Good stuff, Scott, I liked your poem a lot. All the best.
Don MacIver on the Indelible Presence…
Hope is richly consistent in your words, dear friend, without which, what would we have, possess, embrace about life? It is the potential renewal of all aspects of life that keeps us focused, determined and optimistic about our future, near and distant. Nature holds so many astounding reminders of its own renewal and perhaps we can draw from those life lessons for essential markers of renewal deep within our own spirit and being. Thank you for this, Scott.
Don MacIver on New Poem – Life is…
Your words afford us renewed perspective in the most profound ways, Scott. Your opening ten lines truly inspire and gift us hope and promise. These words are important in such challenging times as we have struggled to endure the pandemic, both local and globally. I have seen so many people truly on the edge, walking a tightrope of anxiety and fear, anger, disbelief and highly negative response to much of life.
Blessings may seem so few and far between as the mind succumbs to blindsight and obsessing over the dark side. I liken this to unintentional self-harming. Thank you for always embracing the goodness in life and the optimism that we shall overcome adversity. We need this.
Neena Sharma on New Poem – Life is…
Thank You for such a sensitive, insightful poem, Scottie Sir. Indeed, life is Juxtaposed with Joy-Sorrow, Pleasure-Pain, Hope despair…Panic we may not; For Nature has its own way of unfolding the serendepity of Events, just in the nick of time. In the Moments of despair, there is always a Ray of hope.
So, live life to the hilt.
Loved the Last verse, making the poem end on a positive note…
“Nature has its own acumen,
Its own steady intent
And will show us
The way back home,
If we allow it to.”
Bjorn Rudberg on New Poem – Life is…
You tell wise words and it is important to remember that life is full of both brightness and darkness… But it takes insight to see it and reflect back.
Sunaina Sindhwani von New Poem – Life is…
A wonderful inspirational and emotional at the same time .I was actually waiting for it Scott.
Happy New Year.
Daniella on New Poem – Life is…
I connected personally with this…
Lillian on New Poem – Life is…
if we allow it….indeed.
Love these lines:
“A nourishment
That’s so rich,
So intense,”
You could run a knife
Through it,
Like a slab of butter.”
This is absolutely visceral!
Merrill D. Smith on New Poem – Life is…
An excellent message here, Scott.
Lee San on New Poem – Life is…
Yes, cherish every new day.
thank you, Scott.
Punam on New Poem – Life is…
Nature sure does that if we listen to it. Beautiful poem.
Suzanne Staveley on New Poem – Life is…
Yes! This realm in which we exist we perceive to be so inconceivably vast and as our experiences here progresses, we digress on their collective impacts on what we have become and what we have left – like a glass half full yet recognize our potential to continue in our journeys of “life” we steer by our collected wisdom in our capacity to “love” matured like the best of wines.
It is wonderous to the extent we perceive or perhaps misperceive how we sense this realm by what we see and how we have been taught to process our senses into perception? At the end of the day it does not matter really when it comes to the joy and appreciation for the beauty of it all.
Our bodies are creatures of the earth of which comes, goes and some day returns as mother nature shows us in the endless cycles of the luminaries.
Very graceful poem Scott in that you manage to say so much with so little.
Jan Marquat on New Poem – Life is…
I’ve just read your new poem and I loved how you ended it. The last paragraph is especially lovely.
Nivedita Yohana on New Poem – Life is…
A beautiful and profound undercurrent of wisdom that rides the waves of existential angst so exquisitely captured!
Benita Kape on New Poem – Life is…
“A sacred hamper
Of hope then,
For far tougher days”
These were one of many lines which stood out for me. Beautiful
Colleen on New Poem – Life is…
What goes around comes around like instant karma. I had to stop at the hamper and think about that
Laura Laveglia on New Poem – Life is…
You never cease to amaze me my friend
When life gives us roses, hold them tight and enjoy their perfume for the scent of happiness does not linger
Life is not meant to be wonderful. It’s is meant for us to learn lessons every day
Enjoy life to its fullest even in the storm of darkness
Thank you for this beautiful message
Marion Horton on New Poem – Life is…
‘a sacred hamper of hope’ – love this image Scott and your poem’s message.
Rob Kistner on New Poem – Life is…
Love your reachin’ high for a great OLN, bravo Scott! ✌❤️
Selma Martin on New Poem – Life is…
Life is this. Your poem put me in a good place. I love life. Thanks for sharing.
Lucy on New Poem – Life is…
Beautifully written!
Mrityunjay Dixit (Jay) on New Poem – Life is…
Very true! Beautiful poem.
Calm Kate on New Poem – Life is…
Much wisdom set in a positive tone, thanks
ma jadeli on New Poem – Life is…
Well-said, Scott. True enough.
Dwight L. Roth on New Poem – Life is…
I liked the nourishment … like a knife in a slab of butter. Great image.
Truedessa on New Poem – Life is…
You write from the heart of wisdom. It is always a pleasure to read your poetry. We are indeed feeble creatures. We def should treasure the blessings when they come.
Brightest Blessings to you!
Brendan on New Poem – Life is…
All we have is the now in this wildly changing time. Thanks for living it well.
Mish on New Poem – Life is…
So wise and insightful, this is. I especially like these lines emphasizing how these moments poking out of the chaos can strengthen us. We need to drink them up!
“A nourishment
That’s so rich,
So intense,
You could run a knife
Through it,
Like a slab of butter.”
Ken Gierke on New Poem – Life is…
These words are encouraging.
If only we would stop subverting nature’s attempts to heal itself.
Ain Starlingsson on New Poem – Life is…
Really very much agree with your premise, at the end about nature.
Ingrid on New Poem – Life is…
‘A nourishment
That’s so rich,
So intense,
You could run a knife
Through it,
Like a slab of butter.’
– You are so right. I love the message of this poem. Nature always finds a way, but sometimes we mess things up by getting in the way of it!
Dr Jelka Parabirsing on New Poem – Life is…
“….if we allow it to.” Indeed, well said, dear Scott!! May we find this courage and wisdom!
Munia Khan on New Poem – Life is…
You spread us the best definition of life, dear Scott. Your insightful positive mind is a real treasure my friend. Thank you so much for this glorious poem.
William Bain on New Poem – Life is…
Yes, my friend, a lot of truths in what you write……
It does seem as if we’re not yet out of the storm,
as you indicate. Hopefully there’s rain forest
enough for us to be able to go on peacefully
and in more comfort (as you also remind us
in this poem’s final lines).
Times are tough and are trying for all of us.
Through the varied moments of fullness and
emptiness your writing comes as a welcome
series of notes of hope.
Stay safe, William
Paul on New Poem – Life is…
Thank you for the blessing Scott, and the peep around the corner. Nature has found it’s acumen in you.
John Rachel on New Poem – Life is…
Yet surely
We’ve all lived
Long enough
To know
There’s no such thing
As mere coincidence.
This may be the cruelest irony. That there may be “intention” or “purposefulness” — an equation or a plan — behind travails and torture. But how do I know I can trust this taskmaster Fate? Maybe Nature is simply a sadist, not a teacher at all. Granted, it surely is more comforting to make a leap of faith. The biggest challenge for me personally is dealing with indifference. Why am I not mentioned once in the Unified Field Theory? Why has the God particle not intervened and made my books bestsellers? Do you think I’ve lost perspective? (My friends always say they can never tell if I’m joking or not. It’s obvious to me: Maybe yes. Maybe no.)
Excellent poem, by the way. It will get me through another day. What about the day after tomorrow, though?
Laura Bailey on New Poem – Life is…
Dear Scott,
Thank you so much for sharing this excellent and most insightful poem !
Wishing a great 2022 for you !!
Terry Stolz on New Poem – Life is…
Thanks for sharing. Your words embrace the reader and give them a moment of solitude.
Margaret Nash on New Poem – Life is…
Lovely poem. Really captures a mood. Love it.
Ron Ames on New Poem – Life is…
Bravo Scott, Great poem. Thanx so much my friend
Michell Melon on New Poem – Life is…
Thanks for sharing your latest work. I particularly love “a sacred hamper of hope.” I will keep that phrase top of mind in tough times.
Denyce Ashby on New Poem – Life is…
Once again my friend, you’ve managed to piece together the very act of life through words.
Happy New Year Scott.
John Lysaght on New Poem – Life is…
Beautiful juxtaposition of good and bad, light and dark. Life, froth with
obstacles and achievements, is a blessing to be absorbed and appreciated.
Learning from the persistence and adaptability of Nature will serve us well
on our journey.
Shari Roberts on New Poem – Life is…
That is life. So eloquently said, dear Scott. Keep on shining your bright light. A beautiful way to start the new year. Wishing you and your family the best year yet.
Adda Davis on New Poem – Life is…
A beautiful, meaningful description of life in optimistic terms. Thanks for sharing.
Aria Ligi on New Poem – Life is…
Once again, this lovely poem talks about the coevals of life, the yin, and yang of joy and despair. For me, though, I think the aptest line is:
“Feeble creatures
As we are,
Somehow mysteriously
Never quite able
To see round the corner.”
Because most humans do not ’round the corner’ never evincing or even trying to, how their actions can or did affect others, which is a sad testament to the ability of humanity to learn the lessons needed for the soul’s progression.
Mahnaz Mohafez on New Poem – Life is…
Life is the four seasons of light, intuition, felicity and energy. Let’s celebrate it to the full.
What an amazing start, dear Scott! Thanks for the first beautiful poem of 2022.
While poetry is generally designed to connect us with beauty and emotion, Scott’s work goes beyond that in an important way: it gives readers the feeling that the teller himself is as lovely as the content, and elevates us to a sense that we are privileged to see things through his eyes. As his work gains a wider and wider audience, this phenomenon will become more fully recognized, but perhaps never fully explained.
Your poetry is simply beautiful, energetic, full of wit
and exuberant vitality.