"A Philosopher Looking into a Mirror" by Jusepe de Ribera‘A Haiku’ and Other Poetry by Joe Tessitore The Society July 29, 2019 Culture, Haiku and Senryu, Humor, Poetry 13 Comments A Haiku My mirror shatters and what most clearly matters remains to be seen. You and Me Some sins do not offend Our Lord – in fact with mine, I think He’s bored. But sadly though, I must report that yours are of a different sort. They constitute the worst offense. Your punishment will be intense and last through all eternity – how glad I am that I am me and, truth be told, that you are you! What more is there that I can do? My every effort, you have spurned and to me now, your back is turned. Small wonder that you cannot see the depth of my humility. Joe Tessitore is a retired New York City resident and poet. NOTE TO READERS: If you enjoyed this poem or other content, please consider making a donation to the Society of Classical Poets. The Society of Classical Poets does not endorse any views expressed in individual poems or commentary. CODEC Stories:Share this:Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Click to print (Opens in new window)Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) 13 Responses James A. Tweedie July 29, 2019 I started writing a response to your poems and this is what came out: Dear Joe, I’m twice as humble as you are My sins, like yours, do not offend I’m more self-righteous, too, by far, But self-esteem is good, my friend! And how much better off you’d be If you were only more like me! Although your second poem clearly belongs in the “humor” category, I think that Evan should create an additional new category for it called, “Ouch!” As for your haiku, I find it to be as profound and inscrutable as a Zen koan! Reply Amy Foreman July 29, 2019 Yes–an “Ouch!” category, for sure James! Your poem and Joe’s go quite well, hand-in-hand. We are all probably familiar with the parable, but it bears repeating here, and may have been the inspiration for this poem, Joe? “Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, ‘God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.’ “And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, ‘God be merciful to me a sinner.’ I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.” (from Luke 18) Reply Joe Tessitore July 31, 2019 Indeed it was! Steve Shaffer July 29, 2019 I love both of these poems! And I agree with James (above). Thanks for submitting these. Reply Karen Darantière July 29, 2019 I always take great pleasure in reading new poems composed by Joe Tessitore. They’re a moment of joy in my day. Thank you! Reply Joe Tessitore July 29, 2019 Thank you all very much❣️ Reply Martin Rizley July 29, 2019 I like the wry, satirical tone of these poems, that highlight how prone we humans are to be highly critical of others´ faults while minimizing and excusing our own. I agree with James and Amy that the second poem packs a punch which puts it in the “Ouch!” category. Reply Mike Bryant July 29, 2019 Self deprecation is the best form of humor… I don’t know why, but this reminds me of a poem my dad often recited: How ugly I are, my face is no shining star. But I don’t mind it, ‘cause I’m behind it. It’s the folks out front that get the jar. I love the extra beats in the last line… Reply Christina July 29, 2019 Thank you, Joe, for a good laugh at the end of a bad day! Superb! Reply C.B. Anderson July 29, 2019 Way to go, Joe! You have found your voice, and your voice has found its way to our eyes and ears. Reply Gregory Spicer July 29, 2019 Toss me into the Tessitore fan club as well, If you’ll have me. Like the Honorable Mr. Tweedie I read and wrote…thusly, It’s reciprocity’s mirror Of alternate realities Which gives the glance that guarantees To make this dear life clearer, And the portal between the two Is the wavelet surface ripple Showing, like a participle, What we should or should not do. But if to this a man is blind His soul will ever steep in hate And his definition most unkind Of what is, and what is not great. It’s the golden rule to unbind Great apes from an unkind fate. Reply Joe Tessitore July 29, 2019 Of course I’ll have you Gregory. I’m glad you’re here. Reply David Watt July 30, 2019 Both poems are witty and highly entertaining. “You and Me” will stand the test of time because it holds a mirror (not the shattered kind) to human shortcomings. Reply Leave a Reply to Martin Rizley Cancel ReplyYour email address will not be published.CommentName* Email* Website Captcha loading...In order to pass the CAPTCHA please enable JavaScript. 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James A. Tweedie July 29, 2019 I started writing a response to your poems and this is what came out: Dear Joe, I’m twice as humble as you are My sins, like yours, do not offend I’m more self-righteous, too, by far, But self-esteem is good, my friend! And how much better off you’d be If you were only more like me! Although your second poem clearly belongs in the “humor” category, I think that Evan should create an additional new category for it called, “Ouch!” As for your haiku, I find it to be as profound and inscrutable as a Zen koan! Reply
Amy Foreman July 29, 2019 Yes–an “Ouch!” category, for sure James! Your poem and Joe’s go quite well, hand-in-hand. We are all probably familiar with the parable, but it bears repeating here, and may have been the inspiration for this poem, Joe? “Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, ‘God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.’ “And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, ‘God be merciful to me a sinner.’ I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.” (from Luke 18) Reply
Steve Shaffer July 29, 2019 I love both of these poems! And I agree with James (above). Thanks for submitting these. Reply
Karen Darantière July 29, 2019 I always take great pleasure in reading new poems composed by Joe Tessitore. They’re a moment of joy in my day. Thank you! Reply
Martin Rizley July 29, 2019 I like the wry, satirical tone of these poems, that highlight how prone we humans are to be highly critical of others´ faults while minimizing and excusing our own. I agree with James and Amy that the second poem packs a punch which puts it in the “Ouch!” category. Reply
Mike Bryant July 29, 2019 Self deprecation is the best form of humor… I don’t know why, but this reminds me of a poem my dad often recited: How ugly I are, my face is no shining star. But I don’t mind it, ‘cause I’m behind it. It’s the folks out front that get the jar. I love the extra beats in the last line… Reply
C.B. Anderson July 29, 2019 Way to go, Joe! You have found your voice, and your voice has found its way to our eyes and ears. Reply
Gregory Spicer July 29, 2019 Toss me into the Tessitore fan club as well, If you’ll have me. Like the Honorable Mr. Tweedie I read and wrote…thusly, It’s reciprocity’s mirror Of alternate realities Which gives the glance that guarantees To make this dear life clearer, And the portal between the two Is the wavelet surface ripple Showing, like a participle, What we should or should not do. But if to this a man is blind His soul will ever steep in hate And his definition most unkind Of what is, and what is not great. It’s the golden rule to unbind Great apes from an unkind fate. Reply
David Watt July 30, 2019 Both poems are witty and highly entertaining. “You and Me” will stand the test of time because it holds a mirror (not the shattered kind) to human shortcomings. Reply
