Wednesday, December 17, 2014

Political science

350 B.C.E Aristotle writes Politics
2014 I regret having slept through
college philosophy lectures on
Rousseau and Locke.

Because there's you
reading a science fiction novel
I recommended
against a barricade when it's calm. 

You speak the language of
snipers and bombs
which I cannot understand
or learn from books.

We have tea for breakfast
you don't talk about the blood.
But at 4 a.m. Ms. Revolution sleeps
and you are still awake.

12 comments:

  1. loved the tea comment... that gave hope... though we do need to pray for those in struggle

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  2. The abstract and breathing of snippets...like snapshots of personal life and that of history as well...pulled together in a collage...that's what it feels like to me any way..I really enjoyed this, Kenia. :)

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  3. I always thought it was important in philosophy and history based classes to engage the students. It ultimately is the best way to keep their attention and help them learn. I can't count how many teachers I've had in these fields of study, and they were so monotone and dull. We learn from our history though and that is what helps us to make a difference every single day.

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  4. We grow weary when all is but lecture without requesting we speak. My oldest daughter has a degree in Political Science. I am sure she would relate to your words.

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  5. Intriguing. I pondered this for quite a while. Makes me wonder if the "he" mentioned here was a military man - makes for interesting relationship if the other is opposed to war. Makes me think of Mary Matalin & James Carville - who both seem like lovely people :)

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  6. Ah, Kenia! What a mind you have. I love the way you write so poignantly from the personal viewpoint that allows your reader to fully appreciate what it is to be a loving, intelligent and resourceful person.

    Thank you for always providing me with a refuge of poetry.

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  7. Yes where is philosophy when we need it most...? and the persona with bloody hands can sleep at night... yet can we allow ourselves not to listen to them?..

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  8. Anonymous12/18/2014

    Isn't is strange how different technology is today than in 350 BC, but humans -- nor their politics -- haven't changed one iota. Cutting into essentials --as you elliptically do here -- requires losing the contemporary noise to find the timeless entities ever in strife. Long road, difficult work, keep it up, keep your pencil sharp.

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  9. Anonymous12/18/2014

    Dear Kenia--I did not ever get your post card from your students. I am so sorry. I am happy to give a different address or if you email me something to respond.

    Now to your poem--so creative--often those who are swayed my Ms. Revolution may be reading science fiction--not so easy to make things happen in real life. This has a wonderful conversational tone, much enjoyed. k.

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  10. Tea and humanity...

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  11. I love the interplay of elements in this piece.

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  12. Anonymous12/20/2014

    you've opened a well, here ~

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