Friday, March 15, 2013

ON BLOGGING & LOVE & YES, POETRY

I overheard a conversation the other day that went something like this:

"You know why people blog? I'll tell you why people blog."

"Why?"

"It's an ego trip. They post stuff so other people will tell them how smart and clever and beautiful and wonderful and talented they are."

"Oh, so it's just like Facebook."

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And that got me thinking. IS blogging an ego trip? And if it is, so what?

The one thing we all want, is to be loved. We want to be seen, we want to tell our stories, we want to connect with the world. Blogging is one way to do that. So is Facebook.

The whole thing reminds me of a poem.



With that Moon Language 
by Hafiz

Admit Something:
Everyone you see, you say to them, “Love me.”

Of course you do not do this out loud; otherwise,
someone would call the cops.

Still, though, think about this, this great pull in us
to connect.

Why not become the one who lives with a full moon
in each eye that is always saying,

with that sweet moon language,
what every other eye in this world is dying to hear?

(translated by Daniel Ladinsky)


Why not, indeed.

It's pretty simple, really. If you want more love, love more.

Blog on!

Happy Poetry Friday, and don't forget to visit Jone at Check it Out for Roundup. Oh, and there's just a couple of spots left if you'd like to join us for this year's Progressive Poem! Sign up here.

15 comments:

  1. That poem is so beautiful! If blogging be the food of love, blog on!

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  2. We are capable of endless love. By being positive and enthusiastic we fuel growth. Do we need to be critical consumers? Certainly. Does one have to read another's blog? No. One never knows what kinds of inspiration, comfort, education etc. our sharing will lead to. I feel blessed to have learned about the poetry for kids blogosphere(and others) this past year. It has enriched me in many ways. And I feel has enriched my teaching life, too. Pebbles in streams and ripples and all that. I love that you have shared yourself and your work with us and also this poem. Wonderful.
    Janet F.

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    1. Dear Janet, yay for ripples! And yes to endless love and growth. I think blogging is a lot bigger and more varied than the overheard conversation would indicate.

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  3. Replies
    1. Thank you, Catherine. I think so too. It inspires me to be a better person.

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  4. I was just thinking about Hafiz this week & bought one of his books. I think what you expect from blogging can vary a lot depending on what type of blogging you do! Re: the progressive poem --I'll take the 21st if it is still open, Irene. :-)

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    1. Tabatha, love the Hafiz serendipity. And the 21st is yours! So happy to have you on board. xo

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  5. Love the poem, Irene. And I agree with Tabatha -- there are many reasons why people blog . . . and it's so NOT like FB :) .

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    1. Jama, I agree with Tabatha too... and yes FB is quite a different beast! Thanks for stopping by. xo

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  6. I like your take on this conversation, Irene! Hafiz's poem is nice way to look at this universal need to be loved. Thanks for sharing. =)

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  7. That's the perfect poem to explain why we blog and FB: "this great pull in us
    to connect."

    I'll do my best to be moon-eyed!

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  8. Interesting that in our world there is actually a poem about blogging; how times change! Thought-filled post Irene. I've enjoyed reading other's writing, musing, thoughtfulness in their lives. I think it enriches me, & like others, not like Facebook! Thanks for sharing this; I'm not sure I would have seen it otherwise!

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  9. I love the poem! It's a way more eloquent way of saying what I posted on Friday! We all want to be seen and loved.

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  10. Spread the love! I say that's a pretty cool thing if your blog leads me to another and then another. I have connected with some pretty awesome people. Yes, I have gotten comments that make me want to jump for joy, but I also want to spread that joy to others. Thanks for the poem that said this so eloquently.

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