Interesting thread. Thanks again for the background. I recognize my own preferences and bias n this discussion. Belief seems a bit like love; it's risky business. Aeschylus, Rilke, and Rumi, Nietzsche, Wittgenstein and T. Merton, are among my favorite authors. You are aware that I have spent some time studying the work of Cummings. Strangely enough I find more in common between Cummings and Shakespeare and I marvel at both of these poets in a way that I don't marvel at the others. However, I admire the others far more than either Shakespear or Cummings. Once again, thank you for your time and energy. Elj