Words are strange beasts. As Kirkup suggests, there is not a single word that can capture the full reality of what the word attempts to describe. Ironically, however, as evinced by poetry, words can be creatively interwoven to illuminate a reality that would have otherwise gone unseen. Such is the mystery of words, I suppose.
Yes – and perhaps he’s also suggesting a pebble is a condensed mountain, an essence of mountain, a potential of mountain, a micro-mountain. And, as such, may have a supercharged core potency. Although, of course, the very word ‘reduced’ does suggest a diminution. Unless, as you say, lots of pebbles are placed together. I went to a Kirkup reading many years ago in Newcastle – he was very well known in the North-East at the time. He spent some time in Japan, I believe – was influenced by Zen Buddhism, and wrote many haiku and tanka.
Turnstone 
Words are strange beasts. As Kirkup suggests, there is not a single word that can capture the full reality of what the word attempts to describe. Ironically, however, as evinced by poetry, words can be creatively interwoven to illuminate a reality that would have otherwise gone unseen. Such is the mystery of words, I suppose.
Yes – and perhaps he’s also suggesting a pebble is a condensed mountain, an essence of mountain, a potential of mountain, a micro-mountain. And, as such, may have a supercharged core potency. Although, of course, the very word ‘reduced’ does suggest a diminution. Unless, as you say, lots of pebbles are placed together. I went to a Kirkup reading many years ago in Newcastle – he was very well known in the North-East at the time. He spent some time in Japan, I believe – was influenced by Zen Buddhism, and wrote many haiku and tanka.
Glad I read the comments…cause my first question was..is there more!! Loved this one!! Thanks as always, Karin
Thanks, Karin, for visiting my alternative blog! Haven’t posted anything on this one for a while, but may start over…