Mythos & Marginalia

2015 – 2025: a decade of days

  • Filling The Gaps

    The Japanese technique of kintsugi involves filling cracks and chips in broken porcelain or pottery with gold, leaving the obvious in a more useable state.
       In the process of reparation, the once-broken object is transformed and becomes, again, useful.
       The philosophy of the art itself is so applicable to the art of everyday living.
       We are all broken, in places, the scuffs and cracks in our being becoming obvious more times than others. Some cracks are deep — running straight through to our foundation —  while others are more superficial: lines on our face or breaks in the skin that need to be tended to.
       Aren’t we all, on any dimension, in need of repair?
       It is how we fill our cracks that make us whole.
       The pursuit of a passion or personally fulfilling activity, time spent with loved ones, sole (or soul) meditation, the search or study of literature or prayer, are purposeful methods of filling the gaps.
       These moments are golden.
       We can become whole again by filling the spaces in our lives, however deep. In doing so, we become stronger.
       As Leonard Cohen famously wrote: “There is a crack in everything, that is how the light gets in.”
       Cracks have a purpose (kitsugi highlights this) but we need to be aware of the breaks in our patterns; in our time; in our lives.
       The cracks remind us what needs to be tended to.
       We incorporate our wounds into our presence.
       It is the whole of our object, flaws and all, that provide the individuality of our personal beauty.

    © 2023 j.g. lewis

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  • Does It Matter?

    Does it feel this way for everyone?
    This darkness, this temptation, to look away,
    to step away, from a silent fire.
    I have been burned.
    I am vulnerable.
    I am afraid of speaking out.
    I hold these heavy thoughts back from others (don’t they have their own concerns).
    What do I keep away from myself?
    Does it matter?
    Couldn’t I simply amuse myself
    with lighter thoughts, or gentle distractions – wouldn’t golf become
    a more useful game – where the object, intent, and goal is so simple?
    Who am I to think my purpose or intention is more important, or
    I am simply missing the point?
    I am hurting.
    Am I ignoring the hurt?
    My eyelids are heavy;
    is it from seeing too much, or is it from trying
    to keep them shut?

    © 2018 j.g. lewis

     

     

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  • Moonlight Denied

    Monday night I went out with my camera to capture the Moon in all of its glory, but returned home without the shot I was hoping for.
       I have been disappointed before.
       Sometimes it’s the clouds, location, forgetfulness, obligations elsewhere, or even man-made obstructions, but the other night I was left with the feeling I had been denied what should come naturally.
       We can’t always appreciate a night under a Full Moon, but when you know it is there you should still permit yourself time for reflection (if not meditation).
       Our awareness shifts when we are allowed some clarity. Emotionally, the intensity of everything becomes abundantly clear and we persist in seeking the stability we desire.
       The answers are not always there when the inspiration is obscured.
       Even so, evermore, we continue to consider the totality of its affect as we keep looking up.

    © 2023 j.g. lewis

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  • Identity Possibility

    Our identity is as much who we are, as who we want to be.

    Who we are; it’s complicated (I know I am) and every once in a while we need to remind ourselves of what makes us unique, interesting, desirable, and worthy.

    I am so many things; defined as much by what I do as what happens to be.

    I am, above all else, a father. The aspects of that role alone change, and will continue to change, as time passes. The importance is not lost on me, nor is it expected.

    I am a brother. I am an orphan of sorts. I am a friend. I am a lover. I am an individual, but I am part of something quite magnificent.

    I am not alone.

    I don’t subscribe to a particular religion, but I do have faith. I won’t simply cop out and say I am spiritual; I was raised Christian and I do not know enough about the alternatives, so, right now, it is what I know.

    I am open to change.

    I am Canadian. I was born here; it is what I have always known.

    I am curious. I am kind. I am present.

    I am aware.

    I am a poet and I am a writer. I choose to differentiate because the roles are not interchangeable, and I will flip back and forth depending on the mood or the muse. Words do not limit me.

    I am who I am, more than what I am.

    I am a historian in as much as I’ve learned the lessons of the past will, often, temper decisions I make about the future. I am here, and I will not go back there.

    I am flawed, at times fucked up, yet I see my shortcomings as opportunities to heal, to change, and to be more understanding of those who, like me, can easily be led astray (curiosity does have consequences).

    I am a sinner, and not purposely so. Perhaps “survivor” would be more apt. I have done what I needed to do.

    I am grateful, and I am ashamed.

    I am myself.

    I am a man, but more so; I am human.

    I am a possibility.

    I am many things. More importantly, I could be more.

    © 2019 j.g. lewis

     

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  • weights and measures

    Assign a weight to each issue you face, every problem you encounter and objectionable instance you endure in your day-to-day existence.

    What is the unit of measurement you will choose for the negative vibes, uncaring attitudes, or ignorant comments you experience from others?

    Size and substance are not immeasurable.

    Mass and significance vary by classification, but practicality dictates the terms you use to identify volume: a mouthful of vitriol, handful of hatred, several ounces of misfortune, a gram or two of naïveté, dash of criticism, dollop of guilt, or pound of misdirected anger.

    How many bags will you fill with harsh emotions, unsettled grievances, and undeserved opinions?

    It is our nature to compartmentalize.

    Where does it fit?

    What is the weight on your shoulders?

    Realize, before you step further into the day, that this is not yours to carry.

    © 2023 j.g. lewis

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