Concentration

April 18

I am thankful for concentration, the ability to focus on a detail or details. It is what enables us to succeed and to be able to overcome great adversity when extreme thought and observation are required.

This photo is of the LSU Greek Amphitheater. Perhaps it is a stretch, but I connected the word concentration with this photo because the seats in the amphitheater (or theatron as it is called) is arranged in concentric semicircles around the central orchestra (stage). The word concentric has similar Middle English and Latin origins to the word concentration. Concentric means shapes that share a common origin, axis, or center. To concentrate means to focus down to a center, simillarly as focusing a lens brings a central point into extreme focus.

Greek amphitheaters were built on hillsides with tiers of stone seats arranged concentrically around the orchestra. It is interesting that plays performed at Greek amphitheaters were Greek tragedies and had a religious overtone, so amphitheaters were often built near to religious sanctuaries. LSU's Greek amphitheater was built in 1925.  Beyond the orchestra a reflecting pond was built along with a statue of the explorer Desoto, but in 1960 the pool was filled in and the statue destroyed. Today, the Greek Amphitheater overlooks a tree-shaded park-like area known as "The Enchanted Forest." This name was given during the 1960s Hippie movement and stuck. I remember in 1970 my undergraduate English class was held there one day to discuss Joseph Heller's Catch 22 novel. It is interesting the things you remember and it is one of my few memories of what actually took place in al high school or college class. I promise, I usually paid attention. Well most of the time. On football Saturdays, the Enchanted Forest is filled with tailgaters and kids enjoying the hillsides. Today, the amphitheater serves to hold live concerts and plays, as well as the aforementioned students relaxing or studying. It is a perfect place to concentrate!

concentric semicircles

rows of concentric semicircles

make up this old map

ever increasing radii

as i search for the perfect place

to take a good nap.

© rt tulley

concentration

there is a lapse

in my concentration

seems like these days

my brain needs acclimation

to focus upon

the ability to focus

of which things seem blurry

when i concentrate

on a particular locus.

© rt tulley