these things are also on my mind since a few months, maybe years now. coincidentally and inconceivably, I have also reached the end of half a century! someone told me about the Japanese concept of ma, a word for the in-between of things. when I asked a Japanese native speaker about the meaning of this beautiful word, she said it means not between, but the space between two things, but also "within the two", not excluding the two things. I thought this was rather beautiful, a nothing that becomes a link bridging separate entities, but also it's own thing. it is lovely how you observe the coexistence of other worlds, the AND of different views, lives, possibilities and existences at the same time and also in the passing of time. Becoming, changing, moving, transitioning, shedding ... the only way to stay alive.
Between. So true, it is a word we never think of. But it is a state of mind or being we are constantly in the midst of. Not the same as now or the moment, but rather a flux in time, reflecting back or thinking about the future. A transition. It's that quiet time before the storm. Beautiful writing Matt. So happy to always take the time and re-read your words. :o)
Sorry for the late acknowledgement of your comment, Piroska. Quiet before the storm, yes, but also the storm before the quiet. Thank you, as always, for reading. x
Thank you for your thoughtful contemplation on the word between, Matt. I think the between you are dealing with is an illusion caused by the calendar. You have been transitioning into the latter half of your life since you were born.
Such a wonderfully thoughtful piece, Matt, made all the more poignant by the fact that so many of us share this "between" feeling right now. You mention we are experiencing "a difficulty to differentiate pause from impasse". I will gladly choose either one of these. The only other possibility is utter despair.
Between the lines lies so much love, whilst the world sits hesitantly and fearfully between a rock and a hard place. In awe of your ability to take a single word and wring such beauty from it
Maybe you are between the first half of your adult life and the second…that’s much better than framing it as in the cusp of old! Wonderful words as ever
So brilliantly illuminated … one of your very best (amidst a glittering selection, Matt) … so perceptive, pitched perfectly between personal and general, offering an interpretation for those who have not yet found the words for it. Really fine writing (and thinking). So lovely to see you back … spooky; I had meant to say to JoJo at supper that I hadn’t seen your words for a while … I had a notion to reach out - but we talked of other things and there you are! Excellent. Hugs from us x
Such beautiful words Matt, with which I totally identify x
x
these things are also on my mind since a few months, maybe years now. coincidentally and inconceivably, I have also reached the end of half a century! someone told me about the Japanese concept of ma, a word for the in-between of things. when I asked a Japanese native speaker about the meaning of this beautiful word, she said it means not between, but the space between two things, but also "within the two", not excluding the two things. I thought this was rather beautiful, a nothing that becomes a link bridging separate entities, but also it's own thing. it is lovely how you observe the coexistence of other worlds, the AND of different views, lives, possibilities and existences at the same time and also in the passing of time. Becoming, changing, moving, transitioning, shedding ... the only way to stay alive.
Sorry for the late acknowledgement of your comment, Ivy. And thank you: that Japanese word is a very beautiful idea.
Between. So true, it is a word we never think of. But it is a state of mind or being we are constantly in the midst of. Not the same as now or the moment, but rather a flux in time, reflecting back or thinking about the future. A transition. It's that quiet time before the storm. Beautiful writing Matt. So happy to always take the time and re-read your words. :o)
Sorry for the late acknowledgement of your comment, Piroska. Quiet before the storm, yes, but also the storm before the quiet. Thank you, as always, for reading. x
Thank you for your thoughtful contemplation on the word between, Matt. I think the between you are dealing with is an illusion caused by the calendar. You have been transitioning into the latter half of your life since you were born.
Thank you, K.C. That's certainly one of the betweens I'm experiencing. Others are very certain and very separate impediments.
Incredible writing again Matt 🙏
Thanks so much, JoJo. x
“Between, by definition, requires two other items or articles to exist.” Truth. Really beautiful words here.
Thank you for reading, Holly.
look out as dawn cuts across night edge
travelling, not turning
back
never, back
never look
there is no turning,
just travelling
not looking
back
Overtones of the Beckett I'm reading at the moment.
we often travel, 'in between', the fires, these days, I sense
Nice to read your words, and thoughts Matt. As I see it, this Post will have many agreeing, myself included.
Thank you... and yes, I see it in so many people right now.
Such a wonderfully thoughtful piece, Matt, made all the more poignant by the fact that so many of us share this "between" feeling right now. You mention we are experiencing "a difficulty to differentiate pause from impasse". I will gladly choose either one of these. The only other possibility is utter despair.
It's such a difficult time and moment of change in the world. Thanks, as ever, for reading, Sharron.
I concur. The trapped wind of life, between digestion and flatulence. 🧡
You quite possibly describe it better than me!
Glad to have you writing again.
Thanks so much, Matthew. I owe you a separate note, which I will put right in the next day or so.
Such excellent words x
Such beautiful and illuminating words Matt. Very much appreciated especially right now xx
Thank you, Christine. Difficult times to live and act through right now. x
Between the lines lies so much love, whilst the world sits hesitantly and fearfully between a rock and a hard place. In awe of your ability to take a single word and wring such beauty from it
Thanks so much, Sue. Maybe we'd all be fine if it weren't for everything and everyone else in the world...!
Or if we could simply pick and choose BETWEEN those we'd keep close and those we would jettison.
There's always a place for you on our lifeboat
Maybe you are between the first half of your adult life and the second…that’s much better than framing it as in the cusp of old! Wonderful words as ever
I will take a vanity note out of your book. ;) Thank you, Mark. x
So brilliantly illuminated … one of your very best (amidst a glittering selection, Matt) … so perceptive, pitched perfectly between personal and general, offering an interpretation for those who have not yet found the words for it. Really fine writing (and thinking). So lovely to see you back … spooky; I had meant to say to JoJo at supper that I hadn’t seen your words for a while … I had a notion to reach out - but we talked of other things and there you are! Excellent. Hugs from us x
Thank you, Barrie. It's lovely to return and be greeted by kind words from good friends. x
Missed you, my friend x