Keeping Things Whole Poem by Mark Strand

in Italian: 'Tenere le cose insieme' In un campo Io sono l'assenza del campo. E' sempre così. Ovunque io sia Sono ciò che manca. Quando cammino sposto e separo l'aria e sempre l'aria rientra a riempire lo spazio che il mio corpo occupava. Tutti noi abbiamo motivi per spostarci. Io mi muovo per tenere le cose insieme.

He both believes in keeping it simple [simple words, simple phrases, no meter, no rhyme], and making it as deep and surreal and overflowing with meaning as possible. It's like he has a split personality... come to think about it, so do we all.

Defining what can't be defined! Poetry at its best.

Excellent thought. Indeed, poetry is the beauty of thought.

Spaces! Aces; with the muse of life. Nice piece.

This a poem of depth of meaning, although it seems simple. A fine poet of modern times.

I have enjoyed reading this fine piece of poetry yet again. The profoundness of the subject inspired me to translate it in Hindi way back- on Dec 5,2016. Thanks.

This I wether He parts the air or moves us is certainly the One whole in itself and keeps the field whole too. Enjoyed this excellent poetic intake of Upanishadic philosophy.

I like this even more than I liked it when I first commented on it. Teaches us how simple words can carry an impressive impact and meaningfulness.

I wonder what, if any, applications Strand had in mind beyond the literal meaning of this poem. -GK