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Ed Brenegar's avatar

Much of life can only be understood when opposites confront one another. Life and death find their meaning in the opposite. Safety and security can only be appreciate in the experience of risk and hazard. We love our loved ones, not because of what they give to us, but what is missing if they were not here. Iain McGilchrist in his book The Matter with Things writes about this tension in chapter 20, The coincidentia oppositorum. Here's a video where he discusses this. https://youtu.be/KAZ2a-vawMk?si=LDAZbA5oW1ubnLbJ. The point here is that the Main and the Margin require the other to establish meaning and perspective. This is what I see in the Center and Periphery idea that I've written about. What happens when the Center (Main) fails and disappears? All we then have is the Periphery (Margins) becoming the Center or Main. Then quickly a new Main or Center emerges. It seems like this is where we are today. And yet, if even a time of change, we hide from the realities of death, we will fail to do that which will support and enhance life. Great thoughts for the turn of the year.

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Matthew Long's avatar

Intriguing poem Sam. I was not familiar with this poet or poem previously. It is one of those that seems simple at first glance but has a lot hidden beneath the surface. Thanks for pulling the string on this one to help us work through it. Hope you have a great year.

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