The Secret of Orpheus

What is the message of the movie Orpheus by Jean Cocteau to all poets?
ASTONISH US! GO BEYOND YOUR LAURELS
AND PUBLICATIONS AND ASTONISH US!
So the choice for us poets is the same as Orpheus: Rest on our laurels
or do not be afraid to hear the Angel of Death speaking to us through the radio of our car at night-

Do not be afraid to fall in love with her as she transports herself
through mirrors and time-
Allow yourself to be inspired by her, yet
not be seduced by her dangerous charms.
Make oneself aware of Death rather than be her slave
and make oneself a slave to her, for all fear
comes from her, for the fear of death is the first fear.
Master your fear of her and learn from her the secret of life:
Death is a mirror we walk through at the end of this life.
So as we realize this
Never forget to appreciate life and be astonished at its nature:
It means more than well ever know.

Originally from Bandung, Indonesia, Jean Jones received a BA in English in 1986 from UNC-Wilmington, and an MFA in Creative Writing: Poetry in 1988 from Bowling Green State University in Bowling Green, Ohio. Jean currently teaches English as a Second Language Part Time in Continuing Education at Cape Fear Community College in Wilmington, North Carolina.

Find more by Jean Jones in the Author Index.

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