______________________
This is a response, not so much to the letter of Carolee’s prompt, but to it’s essence. Instead of picking a fovorite poem, I have focused on my favorite poet, Gary Snyder. Given I am deeply moved by most of Gary’s work, choosing a “favorite” seems unrealistic.
Gary Snyder (born May 8, 1930) is an American poet (often associated with the Beat Generation and the San Francisco Renaissance), as well as an essayist, lecturer, and environmental activist — frequently described as the “poet laureate of Deep Ecology”. Snyder is a winner of a Pulitzer Prize for Poetry. His work, in his various roles, reflects an immersion in both Buddhist spirituality and nature.
He grew up here, where I live, in Portland Oregon and attended Reed College here. He was friends with Allan Ginsberg, Jack Kerouac, and most of the beat writers, the majority of whom had urban backgrounds. Gary spent much of his youth, including his college years, hiking and working in the Northwest backcountry. This experience and his interest in things rural, made him appear exotic to his Beat Generation peers — who often referred to Snyder as ‘the Thoreau of the Beat Generation’.
Gary uses mainly common speech-patterns as the basis for his poetry, and does not typically use conventional meters nor intentional rhyme. His personal sensibility arose from his interest in Native Americans, their involvement with nature, their knowledge of it and balance with it. He argues that poets, and humans in general, need to adjust to very long timescales, especially when judging the consequences of their actions. His poetry examines the gap between nature and culture so as to point to ways in which the two can be more closely integrated.
A world traveler, with a fondness for the Far East; Gary has spent many years of his life exploring, and living in the wilderness of the western United States, especially the Pacific Northwest. He loves this region, as I do, and his work is strongly influenced by this love. I offer this poem I’ve written in the spirit of Gary Snyder. I pulled it together from a notebook I keep of my wilderness sojourns into this part of the U.S. as well as bits and pieces of drafts I’ve written, all influenced by Gary — not so much by how he writes, but who he is.
Gary Snyder
•
my footfalls
drum the root chambers
of the cascade mountain old growth
each step cushioned
by centuries of needle-drop
in this ancient forest
rounding a bend in the trail
brushing through waist-high fern
I crest a knoll
and stop
mesmerized
light drifts down dreamlike
filtered by the woodland canopy
settling soft around me
suddenly
I’m startled
a young doe bounds onto the path
standing proud
golden in the glow
she considers me briefly
then disappears
quick as a stolen glance
quiet as passing time
• • •
rob kistner © 2010
• photo by Giuseppe Moretti, for Beat Scene Online
Rob, being even (a little) older than the hippie I’ve always been, I’ve also been “beat” enough to love Gary Snyder, too.
Enjoyed your poem very much also! It was a beautiful moment.
Being old and beat myself 😉 (and loving wild nature) I find Gary’s work impossible to resist — thank you for visiting Joyce, and for your very kind words…
…rob
I had a similar moment. In town, and with a bunny, but similar.
Barbara, I could visualized my version of your ‘bunny’ encounter and it made me smile. I trust you remembered, no sudden moves when staring down a bunny… 😉
…rob
Thank you so much for reminding me of yet another poet, and all the memories that flow with just the mention of his name and his words. I, as well have had several similar encounters with deer, as well as other wild creatures. There is an energy there that is unlike any other. You capture it well.
Elizabeth
And for me, I get a sense that I am intruding — that we, as a human species, have acted a bit too much as rude intruders on this planet… but I know so well the energy of which you write ElizaBeth, it is intoxicating. Thank you for your kind words…
…rob
A rare moment of beaty, caught to perfection.
Thank you Stan… 😉
…rob
I love this, particularly the second and last stanzas.
http://thelaughinghousewife.wordpress.com
I appreciate your kind words Tilly…
…rob
Rob – Last weekend my family and I hiked in Glacier National Park. This piece brought images of the trip rushing back. Its resplendent views move from the micro world of the forest out onto a knoll for the breathtaking. Thanks for doing Snyder, and for bringing Glacier back this morning. ~Brenda
Oh wow Brenda, how wonderful! Kathy and I have lived 20 years in the Pacific Northwest, and regret we have not been to Glacier yet — but plan to rectify that situation very soon. You are welcome and thank you for sharing your trip…
…rob
I’ve always enjoyed Gary Snyder’s work too. The Sudden Doe was beautiful. I have seen such sudden does, and they are always delightful to behold. Such gentle spirits, they…..
http://inthecornerofmyeye.blogspot.com/2010/07/turning-ten.html
Thank you Mary…
…rob
Rob, this is just so perfectly wonderful, your words put me so thoroughly within this world…I absolutely loved it!
Cynthia, you make me blush — your enthusiasm is much appreciated, thank you…
…rob
“she considers me briefly” … those sorts of moments are some of my favorites in this life. when we are acknowledged by some fleeting critter.
sorry to have missed out on the chance to meet in person last weekend! another time!
They are a taste of the sublime, a real, though brief connection with the natural world — apart from the human drama. I do hope we get to meet the next time you’re in Stumptown Carolee…
…rob
nicely done Rob….hard to BEAT Gary S….thanks for this
Thank you for the kind words Wayne, trust all is well…
…rob
Rob, I also really like Gary Snyder. Your poem put an ending to my recent visit home to the northwest. I could smell the firs and ferns and hear the whisper of the footfall so muffled by fallen and decomposing nature.
Glad this piece worked for you Pam…
…rob
Hello Rob!
I’ve nominated you for the “One Lovely Blog” award. Check it out on my site:http://robotcupcake.wordpress.com/
Thanks for the wonderful post on one of my favorite poets, too. The PacNW seems to inspire so much art. Speaking of… you and any PDXers are so totally invited to my writing circle at the Lotus Seed Center, Sunday nights at 8pm, and Tillamook and N Williams. Numbers have been low (think my mom and boyfriend) so I would be so, so thankful if you or friends showed!
Thank you Alexis, regarding making a visit — summers are simply crazy in this household, so we will have to see, but I appreciate the invitation… 😉
…rob