“Beauty is a between happening in one sense, but in another sense there is no between separating the universal and the particular in that the beautiful between is (metaxologically) the intimate universal.” IU 100
Work-in-progress
Dry thunder over
the Bay. Mountains of clouds drift
apart. Gaps appear.
The Bay wrinkles, bright
in the late afternoon sun.
The mirror she saw
and wondered about
reappears. Her question shines.
Beauty contains, says
the philosopher,
the co-presence of its source.
I can believe it.
THe poem moves gracefully from the objective drama of weather to a naturla turn on the image of the shining bay reflecting the sun which leads to the abstract sense of congitive reflection and memory and yet simultaneously the image of a literal remembered reflecting–a mirror. Thus concept, observed reality, and memory combine. This opens ontop philosophical consideration which i opens the way for the emergence of the poet’s personal voice. As readers we find we have been led througha process of wonder, consideration, reflection, adn finally desire perahps familiar from Plato and here expressed not as philosophical dialogue but as imagery and commentary crackling with artistic flair. The final line of the poem lands like a gymnast nailing a dismo0unt after an elegant routine with the inevitable yet exquisite finesse of perfect timing. The poet says yes to the gift of beauty.