Go Rin No Sho… the

Final Step to “Enlightenment”?

It has probably been obvious to any who know me or have had the discomfort of following this blog: Max tdc is not a retinue, an emphatic antagonist, to be more precise.

   Obvious, that namby-pamby codling of writers is not the ticky-dot-cat’s way—Instead, expecting, if one is ballsy enough to hand out business cards, load up supercilious voice messages, signature their e-mails or letters with blatant embellishment, introduce themselves as some sort of “a poet,” they’re forthright enuff, flat-out honest enuff, to have thoroughly schooled themselves to a level above producing Cat In The Hat drivel. And as usual, I dream on in illusion…

Yesterday, good ol’ Cinco de Mayo, during a particularly philosophical discussion over delicious fajitas and too many José Gold margaritas, the subject of study material to improve a writer’s depth reared it’s scaly head. This, being study materials, beyond the actual life experience, which is invaluable…

   Unfortunately, most “writers” think the simple act of superficially reading others’ (poetic) works will ready them to create on a relevant level, develop their own voice and become a known entity worthy of recall. All this basically does: lull the hopeful writer into mimicry—without knowledge of the study materials basis.

   Yes, one needs to use the materials of others to absorb successful new, different, styles and presentations. Ascertain, what styles, subject matter and presentations are considered accessible to (today’s) readership. Still, there is no developed philosophy of self-improvement and thus—no resulting depth or real substance. Writing, is not, merely, putting ink to paper.

After a number of frosty tequila refreshments, and not enuff of the sabrosa fajitas, it was decided the most influential books one could suggest to the serious writing student, even ones p.l. wick, himself suggests for his workshops and committed students—to be studied, (suggested) in descending order:

the Poetry Repair Manual,  Ted Kooser

the Mountains of California (especially the Glacier Meadows chapter) John Muir

Moby Dick,   Herman Melville

And lastly: the Book of Five Rings,  Miyamoto Musashi

One may wish to enlighten themselves by investigating these suggestions. In the order given, each can represent a subsequent growth level in one’s understanding and progress.

   Yes, Melville was in your high school curriculum, but now it’s time to review it for his sumptuous poetic feast wrapped in prose.

   And the last: …Five Rings, brings an understanding of observation and positioning, of: presentation, of the written work, preparing and displaying (especially, of the  narrative perspective aspect, so often neglected.)

   When one truly grasps the value of Mushashi’s work, one will be able to apply it not only to their “poetic” writing, but also their life style and aspirations…and will have arrived at a plateau they will be proud of. But then, what is that old Zen koan? upon reaching the mountain top…keep on climbing.

Peace, Max tdc