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Critical Analysis #1
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DesertJana
Junior Member
since 2000-01-26
Posts 19
USA

0 posted 2000-01-27 12:05 PM


An Affirmation


Near Ajo

Arizona, come to me.

To night, with your summer face
tucked beneath a sun-warmed
paint brush collar. Comfort

my resolute child and bring me Gaia.
Fresh-plucked, roots intact,
from Superstition Mountains.

Come wild-eyed Arizona. Awake
and blow your pipe organ, cactus
scent to save me. Your indigent waif,

wallowing cold in northeast alleys.
Feed me sweet from Joshua. Fingers,
soft, feathered with lesser touch.

Nighthawk mother, Arizona friend.
Come lift me from this foster bed.
Lay me light and let me sleep,

havened near my Ajo.


© Copyright 2000 DesertJana - All Rights Reserved
Local Rebel
Member Ascendant
since 1999-12-21
Posts 5767
Southern Abstentia
1 posted 2000-01-27 01:05 PM


This is a beautiful peice of poetry Jana.  I have a few questions about it.

I could interpret this as a lament of one who has no peace and is calling for it -- and I assume ajo is peace here -- I'm pretty sure you don't want garlic and I don't think you literally want to go to Ajo Arizona -- so is my interpretation of ajo as peace correct??

The other interpretation could be the rejoice of one who has been without comfort and now sees an end in sight -- calling to ajo to come quickly.

Forgive my ignorance on this one -- but your reference to Gaia -- I understand this as a reference to a living being -- the entirety of planet earth or mother earth???

I love this kind of work that gives me pause.

Thank you!  

DesertJana
Junior Member
since 2000-01-26
Posts 19
USA
2 posted 2000-01-27 01:12 PM


Thanks Local Rebel.

Ajo-Arizona (not garlic) Warm, fertile with life transcending the harsh elements of a of a wicked arid plain... Near Ajo-untouched majesty and extreme beauty beneath a mountain of superstition-rocks with magnetic waves Gaia, earth mother, resonant plays up through the soles of dusty feet.

Ajo.

Thank you again,
Jana
(I hope this explanation helps)

Poertree
Senior Member
since 1999-11-05
Posts 1359
UK
3 posted 2000-01-28 12:03 PM


I meant to say before DJ  .. that this is an evocative poem which kinda reminds me of American Indian culture in its resonance .. (now wasn't that a horribly pretentious sentence ...lol)

Great poem "O Misty One"

Philip

haze
Senior Member
since 1999-11-03
Posts 528
Bethlehem, PA USA
4 posted 2000-01-28 12:13 PM


Thank you my friend! It was intended to have a feeling of prayer. If you happen to visit Arizona at anytime...there are magnetic centers of energy there (most centered in Sedona) a lovely art mecca in the oasis of desert flora and fauna.

Its simply beautiful...truly and when you experience the magnetic there, its possible  to feel the sugence of Gaia (perfect harmony with nature and self) Gaia earth-mother..a resolved soul).

Big Thankies Philp, my Friend...
Til Again,
~haze

Local Rebel
Member Ascendant
since 1999-12-21
Posts 5767
Southern Abstentia
5 posted 2000-01-28 12:47 PM


Ah haze -- I should have known this was you!  
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