#405 Backstory of the Poem “The Grace of Mystical Things” from the poetry collection PLEASURES IN THE PATHLESS WOODS by Richard C. Bower

Can you go through the step-by-step process of writing this poem from the moment the idea was first conceived in your brain until final form? As the title more than suggests, there is a mystical and magical aspect to this poem.The initial notion, and inspiration, of the poem was borne while sat in my local village church one Sunday morning – in fact the actual date (I always make a note of the date with everything I write) was Sunday the 6th February 2022 – from 10am (GMT) onwards. I make a point of going to church at least once a month. I don’t consider myself religious, it’s more of a spiritual intrigue and interest I have, but going to church aligns my mind, and body, positively. I find it healthy for me as a person to visit regularly, as I do.

As I was sat on a pew, I found myself reflecting on my walk to church. I find the peace and tranquility of each morning inspiring, and the opening lines reflect my journey as I initially stepped forth out of my home.

Sitting there, I was then captured by the concept of the poem as sunlight slanted through the psychedelic-like colourful and decorative church windows, high above – portraying an air of mysticism as I breathed it in, absorbing myself in the glorious moment.

Credit and Copyright by Richard C. Bower.

My mind became alive, and the poem then documents my inspired walk back home upon leaving the church, after the service. This is all captured through the imagery and detail within each line, while the journey also highlights the imminent change of season, in February (in the UK) from winter to spring. There is a noticeable shift in energy around this time of year – one from the stoic, skeletal grandeur of winter to the soft new green of spring.

On my walk, I felt blessed and very much alive, as I sensed the vibrancy of all around me – and indeed within me. Enjoying this connection with life, I visibly smiled all the way home on my return journey!

Where were you when you started to actually write the poem? And please describe the place in great detail. I made notes whilst immersed in the experience. I always carry a note paper and pen to capture such moments. Once I returned home I immediately set forth to write the poem in its entirety.

Were there any lines in any of your rough drafts of this poem that were not in the final version? And can you share them with us? Yes – the initial version had the closing line ‘Of the changeling season’ – inspired by The Doors’ song The Changeling. This version was changed at the last minute, after much deliberation, as I wasn’t quite convinced with some of the connotations, and ways, that the word ‘changeling’ might be interpreted.

Click on the below link to view The Doors performing the song THE CHANGELING from their sixth album LA WOMAN.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EHwHLy9JptU

What do you want readers of this poem to take from this poem? I want readers to acknowledge – with awe and wonderment – the beauty and magic of life that exists within each and every moment.

Which part of the poem was the most emotional for you to write and why? I felt emotionally absorbed throughout the entire writing, and experience, of the poem. It has a mystical quality and dimension to it – one that will always continue to resonate.