Difference and Indifference
David Wojahn says, “Poetry
should be at least as interesting
as television, and most of the
time it is not.”
He also says, “. . . we may need
to understand indifference before
we can arrive at wisdom.”
My answer to the first statement
is that nothing can be as boring
as most things on television.
Poetry sometimes makes me shiver
with excitement but most contemporary
poetry reflects the daily existence of
unawed poets.
The statement concerning indifference
seems profound. The virtues of indifference
seem to me to be largely ignored or
to be misunderstood.
Indifference does not mean
without compassion. It actually implies
a rational comprehension, unbiased by
prejudice, and a love deeper than affection.

Walt Abbott–3-25-209