As I was perusing my poems to decide what to read for Victory Palace’s online poetry salon Dispatches from the Multi-Verse (Wednesday, April 8, at 8 pm CST), I happened upon a memento mori poem I wrote on January 4, 2014.
I have terminal cancer and I'm going to enjoy all of my life. People think I'm crazy as I'm contemplating an MA to change careers. I'm living until I die.
Wonderful! And I'm not at all surprised. We're living in a malleable reality, it's very fluid and health is an ongoing option. I will check out your stack.
Absolutely beautiful poem, MAA, reminding us of the precious gift of life we have all been given. I looked up the word ‘amwasis’ but couldn’t find a definition. What does it mean?
Ps I hope the event goes well, I will try to join if I am able to.
Contemplating death whilst celebrating life is easy as I am in my mid seventies. Such a privilege to have lived this long and to be here to appreciate you and your poetry Margaret Anna 🙏🏻
Epictetus, the Roman slave, and Marcus Aurelius, the Roman Emperor, taught a similar gospel. "When you arise in the morning think on what a precious privilege it is to live - to breathe - to think - to enjoy - to love! God's spirit is close to us when we love. Therefore it is better not to resent, not to hate, not to fear. Equanimity and moderation are the secrets of power and peace." Marcus Aurelius was safe by reason of his high position; Epictetus by his obscurity.
In my 70's, I have no illusions of an older age.
This year I will deal with details of my estate to my loved ones.
I cherish every day when I wake up.
I have terminal cancer and I'm going to enjoy all of my life. People think I'm crazy as I'm contemplating an MA to change careers. I'm living until I die.
Inspiring. I think you might have terminal life Katarina and are simply following that deeper current. May life surprise you in all the best ways.
Thank you, what a lovely thing to say. I started treating myself, using Substack, my cancer is disappearing...
Wonderful! And I'm not at all surprised. We're living in a malleable reality, it's very fluid and health is an ongoing option. I will check out your stack.
Keep on living!! Peeps like me are cheering you on!
Thank you x x x
Absolutely beautiful poem, MAA, reminding us of the precious gift of life we have all been given. I looked up the word ‘amwasis’ but couldn’t find a definition. What does it mean?
Ps I hope the event goes well, I will try to join if I am able to.
Thank you, dear Sanity Jane! "amwasis" is just a word I made up to capture present/past/future :-)
Oh doh! Of course, it’s obvious now. 😬
...nicely done MAA, poignant!... 🙏➕🙏...
As always, ever so nicely done ... thanks!
Here's one in a similar vein ... https://redpillpoems.substack.com/p/when-all-is-said-and-done
Gorgeous and moving. Thank you, MAA... xox
Margaret,
I can’t read you all the time, because I am so different. But I must say, you are a blessed soul.
You and Katherine Watt are heaven sent.
Thank you!!
Thank you for the shout out!
Contemplating death whilst celebrating life is easy as I am in my mid seventies. Such a privilege to have lived this long and to be here to appreciate you and your poetry Margaret Anna 🙏🏻
According to this Reddit investigation: https://www.reddit.com/r/Stoicism/comments/15l9qza/frequently_misattributed_marcus_aurelius_quote/ the quote "When you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive - to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love." which you and many others attribute to Marcus Aurelius (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marcus_Aurelius) is actually from American writer, philosopher and publisher Elbert Hubbard (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elbert_Hubbard).
The original text can be found at the bottom left of this page: https://digital.library.villanova.edu/Item/vudl:83166#?c=&m=&s=&cv=36&xywh=-610%2C449%2C4424%2C4790. The text is in quotes and is presented as a paraphrase of what was taught, not specifically what Marcus Aurelius or Epictetus wrote:
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Epictetus, the Roman slave, and Marcus Aurelius, the Roman Emperor, taught a similar gospel. "When you arise in the morning think on what a precious privilege it is to live - to breathe - to think - to enjoy - to love! God's spirit is close to us when we love. Therefore it is better not to resent, not to hate, not to fear. Equanimity and moderation are the secrets of power and peace." Marcus Aurelius was safe by reason of his high position; Epictetus by his obscurity.
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Thanks for the quote!
Beaufull Sending gratitude with love.
Breathing in gratitude exhaling love 24/7 - til my last breath.
New subscriber. Just heard you recite this during the online poetry salon 😎
Dont worry it will not for a long time still
Precious life. Thank for your poetic reminder. Precious, you.