Symbiosity


I penned a new word to represent the intertwined nature of love.

 

What I said was
don’t touch
go away
leave me be

while inside
I cried out
draw near
stay with me

you are light
you are pure
you are joy
you are free

I am not
I am dark
I am beast
but now I see

like day
needs the night
like shore
defines the sea

like light
needs darkness
there’s only cold
if there’s heat

requires two
different notes
blended for
pure harmony

we can never
be divided
that is a
fool’s fallacy

like the yin
and the yang
of a wise
philosophy

we exist
only together
I’m in you
you’re in me

*
rob kistner © 2021

Poetry at: The Sunday Muse

Creative writing at: Poets & Storytellers

Poetry at: dVerse

 

This has nothing to do with the poem, but if you want to spend an incredible 90 minutes with Joni — I cordially invite you to do so.

42 thoughts on “Symbiosity”

    1. Thank you Helen! I was surprised when I finished this hoe it reflects what could be lyrics for one of Joni’s more ethereal dark/light pieces — like from her “Turbulent Indigo” period — somrthing in the staccato “Sex Kills” style.

      Reply

  7. “It has to turn out good but it may not last.” Words of experience.
    Speaking of words, your “word”, “symbiosity” I believe is not a word except for business names and the like. Try google or bing.
    ..

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    1. Thank you Punam! It has always fascinated me, that of all the relationships I have encountered in my 74 years, the strongest seem to be between apparent opposite, or certainly less alike individuals. Many people, that are too much alike, tend to find it more difficult, after a while, to agree when there are only subtle differences in their viewpoints. They feel compelled to vigorously defend the subtleties. Whereas, it has been my experience that people with more separate viewpoints, if they love each other, are more likely to adopt the stance of sharing viewpoints, even learning a bit from the other. Making space and balance for the “orbits” of dissimilar philosophies, that are not diametrically opposed, sort of like planets in our solar system — thst seems easier than dealing with the friction of more closely moving, but slightly varied philosophies. That type of close friction I have seen cause a burnout. JMHO

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    1. Thank you Bjorn. I think it allows for there to be discovery. Whereas two who are too similar, don’t feel much growth in insight, because they are already similar. That can get boring. On a practical level, coming at challenges in life from two differing perspectives, seems more likely to uncover a solution. Solutions create harmony.

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  11. Simbiosity, whether it’s a word or not, is the perfect title for this amazing analysis, RK (as far as I’m concerned). I think that few (if any) couples are more firmly united than My Beloved Sandra and I, who are two individuals who are about a polar opposit-y as any two could be. We celebrate it. 1+1 =a million!

    Great work, Bro.

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  13. My wife and I are opposites, which is a mixed blessing. She is religious, introvert, emotional, kind and calm, and I am “spiritual”, extrovert, cerebral, bellicose and angry…yet 28 years together and deeply in love.

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    1. I have significant differences from Kathy. We are both artists, but I love to write, she loves to read, as do I — but she does not understand the attraction of poetry. I love math, she hates it, I love computers, she is borderline Luddite, I can sing, she is tone deaf, we both love music, though we have vast differences at the edge of this love — she hates jazz, I love jazz. 34 years our polarity has worked! I think our love of being artists, and the core music we share, has been a real anchor, because art and music is extremely important to us.

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  14. How did Rilke put it – stretch out yourself between the widest of opposites, because the god wants to know himself in you. The poetry is in the naming.

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    1. Is is in the interaction of that oppositeness Brandon, that Rilke believed that love existed. As Rilke put it: “Love consists in this, that two solitudes protect and touch and greet each other.”
      Rilke also felt that it was essential for those in relationship to maintain their uniqueness. “I hold this to be the highest task of a bond between two people: that each should stand guard over the solitude of the other.” I personally share a belief in the essence of these perspectives.

      Reply

  15. like light needs darkness
    there’s only cold if there’s heat

    Great show Rob, of the relationship of opposites. You brought out the beauty into the open very simply but effectively!

    Hank

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    1. It is in the existence of the opposite that both receive identity. If there was no “night”, there would be no reason to name “day”, because neither would need a unique identifier — for all would be the same. Only in the existence of the “other” do either become defined.

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    1. Thank you Ingrid. A relation needs to be between contrasting souls, otherwise, one his little to offer a like other. Nothing to surprise or learn from one who is the same — no stimulation for growth gleaned from contrasting perspectives. No variety in approach to life or problem solving if each partner brings the same tools. Besides, looking in a mirror becomes boring after a while.

      Reply

  21. Lovely poem, Rob, and “symbiosity” is a wonderful word.
    The attraction of opposites, I think, has to find some balance.
    I will have to come back for that 90 minute Joni film.

    Reply

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