It’s not your mirrors but
the way you pout
your glossy lips and toss
the shining tresses of your hair.
It’s not your gold but
the way you flaunt
your wealth with fashion
statements you have bought.
It’s not your books but
the way you always tell
me answers to the questions
I have never asked.
Pride by Pieter Bruegel the elder
Linked to dVerse Open Link Night.
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February 7, 2018
Taotalk is a forum for the discussion of both the academic and pragmatic aspects of dao and Daoism, with participants expressing themselves on Daoist writings and pragmatics from their unique perspectives. It serves as a community for Daoists, and those interested in Daoism, to gather and talk dao.
Living on the equator but longing for snow
Passion for writing ignites my soul's momentum
A journey through the seasons with two adopted whippets, a poet and a camera
Hoping to inspire the world one word at a time.
2 years, mental illness, bucketlist
Meditations from the Midwest
I call these people swaggers.
I like the last stanza; for me it puts a positive spin on the piece.
Reading this poem, Bjorn, I feel like you’re describing a close friend or close family member (female), who always has life’s answer. Regardless, if we want to know these answer, which can drive one nuts.
I love the portrayal of pride sticking out its nose high in the air in this poem.. some people are shallow and can be superficial. This is gorgeously rendered, Bjorn! ❤️
The last two lines – answers to the question you never asked. It is often this way with the breaking away of people in our lives.
I love the poem and I am intrigued by the picture it reminds me of Bosch- the garden of earthly delights…I guess they were in a similar period. What would envy look like?
Good one, Bjorn! I think we’ve all known people like this and you describe them perfectly.
Hmm, I think you’re sweet on her and that you like her booty.
I think she answers questions you didn’t think to ask, and that you like it.
I think I have met some of these people. Some people presumed that they have all the answers. But maybe they do, to some of the questions we don’t dare ask.
I feel a slight conflict of emotion toward “her” in this poem. I think some have no idea that they are flaunting….aww, but the pouty lips may be endearing.
But I never said it was a “her”…. so much more interesting if it is a man.
Aww…yes it is, having read it again.
Thoughtful verse ..
Perfect description for this particular deadly sin! The
i see the pride engraving is fuller than the other ones he did… for some reason elizabeth taylor came to mind while reading this. poor richard burton…
I kinda feel sorry for those people because they don’t realise the insignificance of the things they are proud of
I like the last stanza. It feels like you may have more to say about this topic.
I think we all have met people like that–and yet, I somehow sense that she does know more. The last stanza is intriguing. That Breughel print is wonderful–I love how she’s standing in the midst of everything with the mirror (of course it also plays to ideas about women. . .)
I love this because it tells that pride goes way beyond the outward.
It’s interesting that the face in the mirror is no less grotesque than those surrounding her, which says a lot about the answers (or “truth”) she has to share.
All surface, no substance. (K)
I like the thought of getting answers before one asks the questions.
Very descriptive. I’ve know people who possess that attribute!
I think you’ve given vent to what all of us have felt at one time or another. Good ideas, nicely executed. –steve k
This was an enticing piece Bjorn. Went well with the image…
I’m intrigued – the voice of the poem seems to like her, except for the flaunting outfits. But then, Pride is often very fetching at first.
I enjoyed your sweet romantic post! Body language says it all!!
An apt elaboration of the saying, “Pride goeth before the fall…” Well done!
the substance of the intangible – makes me take more notice of the unseen
I enjoyed this, Bjorn…..put down poetry has its place where would Bob Dylan be without it…..that “but/ pout/ but/ flaunt/ bought ” rhyme is very clever.
I read the title last, and I’m glad I did because I saw three different personas in the three stanzas, or three sides of the same person. Yes, they all represent pride, but in very different ways. I especially like the last stanza.