Seven Revisited

A reading

Seven Revisited

To read and hear this poem, please click the link below

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gWZniKNa7TM&list=UU8rAsV8Dot4MbmtGZOA0UlQ

Seven Revisited is published in Monsters and available from amazon.com

Author's Note

Perhaps it is time we took another look at the sins of ego. Discussion very much welcomed.

Reviews

[redzone]

I enjoy the sound of your voice in these poems Pryde, you do have a reading voice which enhances your words and their meaning.... as for a conversation on ego, sins, etc.. this is a discussion that is definitely needed but also one that does not lend itself to short, or off the cuff answers. But if to actually share and learn things from every angle, then more is required. There are two main approaches to this I think (more, but 2 main ones), idealism that is ideas divorced from the material reality of the real world and materialism, looking and understanding reality and it's changingness and based on this (as best we can at any particular time) changing this reality through action, struggle, etc.

In this materialist view, there is no sin, and no static human nature and so even self and self interests change according to the changes in the world. And further it is not so much as case of know thyself, as it is a confront and change the world and in the process you can and will also change yourself. While on the surface this seems like just verbal changing the order of how you express things, it really is a world of difference and you can really not affect things if just trying to change people's thinking without changing the world that gives rise to this thinking.. in other words, changing reality and changing thinking...

From the time humans started to converse and express themselves to each other in art, language, music etc., there has been debate and struggle over these ideas of knowing and being... I like Marx"s statement that philosophers have only looked to explain the world. The point is to change it!

Just a beginning in this discussion Pryde. The world is indeed a horror for literally billions, and in real need of radical change, including in themselves as well. I live by this point of view: "Fight the power, and transform the people for revolution". All three parts of this view are linked and necessary if we truly want a different and better world...

So I welcome both your views on this (as expressed in your poem and as you have read them) and your invite for there to be much needed discussion on this as well. Maybe, there can be a different culture developed here at WC and all the snarkiness and plagiarism, and innuendo and attacks on people can be done away with so that we can create and enjoy our potential....
~~redzone

[Pryde Foltz]

Here, here, Curt. I will definitely feature your review. I agree we need a revolution … but first the revolution must be felt within. Perhaps there can be some change as we go along, but definitely we must find our finer selves first … wrestle it from the ego. An individual bound to her ego … is easily manipulated … one transcended from ego … impossibly so. History has shown with revolution after coup that nothing changes but the dictator until we learn to rule ourselves.

[realmwriter]

I am not so sure that I am qualified to discuss ego, I too am full of it, and I don't mean s**t, though I'm sure I am full of that as well. Yes, our own ego is a sin and it can certainly get the better of us when we aren't looking. I know that mine has far to often. We are offended by this slightest of things and we feel that we have to defend ourselves against that which actually doesn't matter. This is ego. This is pride in self above all others. Call it nihilism, arrogance, vanity even. Call it what you will, but it is all the same. We as human beings like to think that we are all vastly different and in many ways, we are. But we are also very much the same, in that we are all flawed and we don't like to think of ourselves as such. None are perfect, yet we seek perfection as if this is something we can achieve. We are incapable of achieving perfection and since we are so incapable and so unwilling to admit it, we get bruised, we feel insulted and we feel defenseless, when this is pointed out. We allow our egos to get in the way of seeing beyond the lies and knowing what is the truth: about ourselves, about others, about human nature in general. We do not like to admit, that we, STRONG AND MIGHTY WE, need help, that we cannot do it all, we cannot handle it all, without help. So we shy away and we hide our true selves, so that we don't get hurt, or offended, or become bruised. But really all we are doing, is a great disservice to humanity. Rather than do for self and seek perfection, we should strive to do for others and seek acceptance and understanding. We should educate ourselves to look beyond our flaws and see that we are all in this together and we all need to help each other through this, our human condition.

Sorry. I can be rather long winded at times. You speak eloquently and knowledgably of this subject of ego.

[Pryde Foltz]

Thank you, realm writer. The truth there is few of us who are not qualified to speak on ego. Nature and society does a fine job of instilling one within. The goal is transcend and the first step is recognition. Thank for this fine review.

[realmwriter]

You are welcome.

[Fran Marie]

great piece on the 7 deadly sins, each description was spot on and poetically stated.. also... you have a great reading voice for poetry...keep up the good work!!

[Pryde Foltz]

Thank you, dear Fran.

[Fran Marie]

you're welcome;

[Lydia Shutter]

Introspection and reflection. We all could use an extra serving of that now and then. While I do enjoy hearing your voice read the words, I find I get more out of poetry when I can read the words to myself. I was not able to find the written version of this even with the link you provided. Lydi**

[Pryde Foltz]

Thank you, Lydia. I do appreciate the listen even though you did not enjoy much what you heard. Alas I have decided to exert more ownership over my writing. I recommend all poets and writers do so. For those who prefer to read I have published a few poetry books on amazon available for purchase in both paperback and very reasonably priced digital. However the only free readings allowed will be from youtube. If you would prefer not to hear my voice you can of course mute the sound. If this is not going to work for you please feel free to remove me from you friend list and you will not receive any more RR's. No hard feeling however you should choose.

[Lydia Shutter]

We all have to do what we feel is right. If you are worried about people stealing your work, yes, you are doing what is right for you. I wish you luck selling the poetry. I hope it is lucrative for you. I do like hearing your voice....just wanted to tell you my opinion which is reading the words at my own pace helps me "feel" the poem. I never get the RR's anyway....I have mine shut off and I don't send them out. Be well.

[Pryde Foltz]

Oh I don't know how lucrative it will be … lol … but living in this world does require dealing in the 'filthy lucre' in one way or another. People write for many reasons. My five-year-old son and limited time makes so that profit play at least a small role for me. I'll still look of for you on the cafe:)

[icelandicblue]

Grasp lightly and perhaps you will have a better grip. There is so much we will miss if we are unable to transcend ourselves. Your message was wise and there is not one that I know that does not need a reminder now and then. After all we are flawed but we have the capability of self reflection, without it we can become grabbing greedy things. It was a joy to hear you speak your words Pryde.

[Pryde Foltz]

Thank you, Icyblue. Your words are true ….

[Baby Ricochet]

This has got a kinda Zen thing going on. Good one

[Pryde Foltz]

The photos for sure. But the poem? I guess it can be thought of moving from 'sin' into zen:)

[Einstein Noodle]

"1 Peter 4:8New International Version (NIV)
8 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins."

being brought up Catholic i am reminded of the "7 deadly sins" .. by your title ... my goodness Pryde .. the discussion goes on forever ... :{ and so our failures .. so sad! ..
love your poem .. and voice .. prophets of the ages harp on those strings ... thank God in Heaven that the voice is not put out .. if we would only agree to change ...
E.

[Pryde Foltz]

When we become brave enough to look within, without judgement, accept what is, then we will find the strength to change and the world will simply fall in line. At least that is what I have been told. But yes … yes … yes … Love. Thank you, E.

[Einstein Noodle]

i think you are right! acceptance is key .. love and peace
E.

[wordman]

the sins of ego how many ships would it take to hold them all

[Pryde Foltz]

Thank you, Ron. Alas it seem the ego prefers flesh and bone to hulls and sails.

[wordman]

ego has been the downfall of many

[jacob erin-cilberto]

Hunger evaporates when we are sated....but we must get rid of the apathy or there will always be hunger pains.

i really like your voice...it changes so nicely with the mood of your pieces...

your poems come through with so much feeling when we can listen to your inflection...

nicely done.

[Pryde Foltz]

Thank you, Jacob. You words mean much to me:)

[luvs2write]

My computer won't open the link...it actually won't open the link on any of your poems. =( Is there any other way I could read them?

[Pryde Foltz]

Sorry to hear that luvs2write. You must have a block on youtube. But yes … my writing is available for purchase on amazon.ca. Digital copies of my books are very reasonable. (2.99) You can also ask a local librarian to order it in print versions. I've posted a link below if that helps.
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=pryde+foltz

[C. Rose]

poverty of greed
soiled in envy
apathy melts
hunger evaporates

I love these phrases. In my own writing I enjoy personifying emotion (such as terror bloomed instead of she felt terror) so I especially enjoyed this poem.

Thanks for sharing :)

[C. Rose]

"apathy melts" is my most favorite of the four.

[Pryde Foltz]

Thank you, C. Rose. The heart becomes cold when apathy sets in …