Self-Reliance

observe, observe
the poet’s voice
in solitude

immortal
[sacred, sacred]
ephemeral

 

Originally published in 1841, Ralph Waldo Emerson’s essay, Self-Reliance, reinforces transcendental ideals, bucking systems of conformity in exchange for independent thought and following one’s own instinct.

This erasure poem, extracted from the source text, comes to similar conclusions through a far different assemblage of words. By their nature, erasures aren’t refined and and are rarely sensical; with both word choice and order being locked into place. This makes it that much more magical when the right curation of words becomes a catalyst for an unexpected use of language while forging (or reinforcing) thought.

For myself, I find echoes of my own experiences lifting themselves above the page (and at times, sinking, when erasures shift to black).

***
leaning willows detach themselves
flesh born to shed
tossing out the life of splendor
a new revolution in all modes of living

***
light, million-orbed, million-colored
the idol of imagination
rambling round creation
like a moth round a lamp
like the Traveler from foreign lands
at home in an expression of art
[embark on the sea, intoxicated with the rage of traveling]

—
This is a unique book in delicate condition. Currently it is only available for in-person viewing for parties with a serious interest in adding this to a rare book collection. Scanned pages are available to view upon request to read the full body of work.