THOM THE WORLD POET: The Daily Poem

Rob Ayling, yer Gonzo Grande Fromage, writes:

"Thom the World poet is an old mate of mine from way back in my history. Even pre-dating Voiceprint, when I was running "Otter Songs" and Thom's poetry tapes and guest appearances with Daevid Allen, Gilli Smyth and Mother Gong are well known and highly regarded. It just felt right to include a daily poem from Thom on our Gonzo blog and when I approached him to do so, he replied within seconds!!! Thom is a great talent and just wants to spread poetry, light and positive energy across the globe. If we at Gonzo can help him do that - why not?"

IT GROWS DEEPER

FIRST THE WEATHER,NEXT THE WEEKEND

Small talk like ants at a picnic.Next the inevitable questions,

keeping all light and superficial.Until-you ask about health..

Core of all.Who will share?She speaks about her family-

her grandfather in a "Re-education" camp,thinly surviving

on a diet of cassava roots for three years.Her father,

of integrity and diligence.Her mother,wise enough

to integrate her into both cultures,so she can thrive

in two languages,two cultures,two conversations..

We talk Vietnamese poetry,the influence of Confucianism

We talk koan,metaphor,fable,allegory.She shares-

"When i was young,my parents would teach me in parables..

I did not understand such figurative language/and even now

it is hard to find a context to share such ways of seeing.."

Then she begins to clean my teeth,and i can say nothing.