Dialogue with Disciple

by Richard Kuslan (April 2024)

The Garden of France —by Max Ernst, 1962

 

 

(Master, what is the meaning of existence?)
I once had six ch’in of flax.
===—A koan, ca. 8th century, A.D.

The gods (what gods? whose gods? where gods?)
Hide seeds within the pod of man
(what pod? what man? in flesh facades?)
The lightest touch may set them off
To spore upon the wind and spawn
In fertile soil … ah, you scoff.

(I do, if semen’s meant? Well then…)
Jest not: These seeds are never seen.
(Huh? Why confuse with riddles when…)
Concrete’s told in terms concretely.
(Ah! Analogy sways the brain?)
A seed takes root!  (Master, teach me!)

Table of Contents

 

Richard Kuslan is an admirer of Donne, Sheridan, Byron, LeFanu, Trollope, Orwell, Sacheverell Sitwell, Christopher Logue and Jean Sprackland, among (many) others in the English language. He marvels at meaning’s fecundity when language is constrained by form and delights in the melodies that take to the air when the beautiful is read aloud.

Follow NER on Twitter

image_pdfimage_print

2 Responses

  1. Master: No need for me to teach you anything; what you think you need is in reality no thing.
    Be in silence, invite silence in you, before you know It, It knows you. You and It are one not two.

    1. Disciple: You speak of Nothingness. How is That?
      Master: When you hear in Silence, I am not your master.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

New English Review Press is a priceless cultural institution.
                              — Bruce Bawer

Order here or wherever books are sold.

The perfect gift for the history lover in your life. Order on Amazon US, Amazon UK or wherever books are sold.

Order on Amazon, Amazon UK, or wherever books are sold.

Order on Amazon, Amazon UK or wherever books are sold.

Order on Amazon or Amazon UK or wherever books are sold


Order at Amazon, Amazon UK, or wherever books are sold. 

Order at Amazon US, Amazon UK or wherever books are sold.

Available at Amazon US, Amazon UK or wherever books are sold.

Send this to a friend