Nature and Spirit

A further selection of original poetry by A. S. Kline, whose work consists of translations of poetry; critical works, biographical history with poetry as a central theme; and his own original poetry. In ‘Nature and Spirit’ the poet employs an abstract and surrealist style as utilised in ‘The Presence of Light’, but focused on more personal themes. In doing so, the primary components of life, the world of nature beyond us, and the spirit inside us are celebrated. The poet’s use of terms presented to us by the history of our language, such as spirit, soul, heart, self, should all be understood as varying aspects of mind, and not confused with any religious connotations they may possess. The poet’s views on the human condition are secular and explicitly non-religious, reflecting his perception of an un-designed, intentionless, and therefore, in the Buddhist sense, empty universe, devoid of mind, except inasmuch as mind exists in living species including ourselves, and by means of which we give our lives meaning and purpose.