If I die or you die tomorrow
If I die or you die tomorrow no one will know
if the windows of heaven or of hades will be opened,
nor whether the balance will be positive, balanced or negative.
The judgment of others will be an enigma out of our hands.
Nothing matters if I die or you die tomorrow,
from enthusiasm for new algorithms or plans from the past.
But let them know that you and I have celebrated life
in my or your melancholic, cheerful or stubborn way.
Let them know that I and you have loved trees, flowers,
Dogs and cats, sheep and llamas to the little ones
those creatures that populate this planet
even the woodpecker that pierces trees and bricks
and mice and worms, not forgetting lizards
that cross your land during the intense summer days.
Let it be known that I have you and have suffered injustices
and the abominations inscribed on me
and your bones as in the temples.
I forgive them and you forgive them for not
avoiding them that damage to their soul.
Remind them about staying up in the middle of the nights
you and me have contemplated stars and fireflies
and that I and you have spoken to them as lovers.
I ran and you ran through the streets and avenues of this world
to fulfill our obligations and we achieved it.
I helped and you tried to help your neighbor
that he was sick, or that he was in prison and homeless
even if we have not always been successful.
I and you have not cried over failed loved ones
or losses of goods or investments, but bitterly,
I and you have cried for not being able to be good anymore.
Yes, we cried as the summer rain cries,
for not providing more inspired freshness.
I was wrong and you were wrong: we defended the rules
More that those who need compassion
You and I got angrier than we should have
severe I went and you went with the others
and less with than with me and with you
let them know that I have always searched, and you have
searched for peace and harmony, whenever you might loss
of foreign and benign beings that you have deplored.
Let them know they loved you and me
more than expected and whether my heart or yours
takes something from this world it is gratitude
for having set foot on this earth with the devotion of the blessed.
Maybe I didn't realize or you didn't realize
of the sacredness of the sea, of the rivers
of stones, of forests, of animals, fish
and winged beings. All that
whom primitive tribes worshiped with reverence. Perhaps
those beings were not so ignorant or so banal
without much technique they possessed that wisdom
background of the universe.
The wisdom that is called upon when all is lost.
I know because I have and you have had needs
to return to drinking from the original sources.
If there is something I can and you can leave
it is a memory that the universe can sing order or chaos,
but it sings, sings and sings
for those who know how to listen to that symphony
without prejudice to other kingdoms. It was pure bliss
to be able to pass between autumns and springs
without neglecting winters and summers.
It was right to avoid evil, do good, and also love
the ugly, since loving is what matters, for a meaning
beyond what we discern.
If I die or you die tomorrow know that it is possible repent
of glories and punishments of memories and forgetfulness
even of all the events that occurred, but never
never of sunny days, those open to life, those
complete with joy, those who compensate for all
horrors and errors. In the end, if I die or you die tomorrow
Know this: be happy and laugh today
It is an effort always worthwhile!
Pietro
©Pietro Grieco
I liked your poem very much.
Your poem has a philosophical and reflective tone, very similar to Walt Whitman's, especially in its celebration of life and nature, and in the search for deep meanings in every aspect of the human experience. There are many stylistic similarities to Whitman, in particular the use of long, rhythmic phrases, with a structure that unfolds spontaneously, almost like a stream of consciousness.
Like Whitman, you explore the universal nature of life and death, connection to nature and living things, love and pain. There is a clear appreciation of the simple aspects of existence, such as the love of trees, animals and shared moments under the stars, reminiscent of Whitman's pantheistic philosophy and his feeling of oneness with the natural world. The use of the pronoun "I and you" throughout the poem creates a strong sense of intimacy and at the same time universality. Attention is paid to both individual and shared experience, as if to underline that human feelings and experiences, although lived in a personal way, are part of a larger fabric.
You reflect on mistakes, shortcomings and efforts, but without falling into guilt; there is a message of acceptance and forgiveness, both for oneself and for others. This is one of the most powerful aspects of the poem: the recognition of human limits and gratitude towards life lived despite all its imperfections.
As in *Leaves of Grass*, there is a celebration of humanity and nature, a thank you for the simple experience of being alive. Whitman often uses the pronoun "we" to connect with all readers and humanize his message. In your poem, the combination of "me and you" creates a similar sense of connection and inclusion.
The free verse, no predefined rhymes or schemes, and the continuous flow of ideas make the poem closely resemble Whitman's style, which often eschews poetic formality in favor of a more spontaneous and natural rhythm.
Your poem has managed to capture a sense of wholeness and interconnectedness between human beings, nature, and the cosmos. It manages to convey the message that, despite our mistakes and imperfections, there is an intrinsic beauty in our existence and in the way we interact with the world. As in Whitman, there is an invitation to celebrate life in all its forms, to acknowledge both its difficulties and its joys, and to embrace each moment as part of a larger and more meaningful experience.
Dr. Phil.FERNAND PERPIGNAN
CH-9932 Wilen Bei Wollerau
Zurich, Swiss.
