John, I do own Book of Mercy but I've only read about half of the entries so far. Some speak to me more than others, but I suppose that's true of all poetry and such. I've always found that it's not so important what the author meant in poetry analysis as in what the poem says to the reader. Of course, my senior English teacher in high school wouldn't agree with that. She was more of the school that poetry means what she said it meant.
How I survived her class and actually got a passing grade is still a mystery to me after all these years. I suppose it goes back to the 4 levels of reality that I mentioned. The 1st level: Physical reality, is that 1st impression. The 2nd level: psychological reality, is how it makes you feel. The 3rd level: mythic reality, is the story that comes thru to the reader/listener. The final 4th level: essential reality, is that inner kernal of truth. Of these 4 levels, the only one that need be what was intended by the writer is the 4th level. The other 3 are personal to the reader/listener. So, while each person experiences these 4 levels, often without realizing it, only the 4th level is constant from one to the other.
Btw, this is why such divination methods as Tarot, I Ching, psychometry, etc. work. They all tap into those first 3 levels of reality.
Lili
I've been a member for several years. Read the description and check it out. We've had some very interesting discussions and as long as everyone's beliefs are respected, all views are welcome.
