Intelligence of the Heart

by

John J. Dunphy

I am so proud to be represented in my dear friend Charlotte Digregorio’s new book Wondrous Instruction and Advice from Global Poets (Artful Communications Press, 2025). I recommend this book to all my fellow poets and writers.

In the chapter “Brilliant Thoughts on the ‘Intelligence of the Heart,’ “Charlotte quotes the late Robert Spiess who wrote that “Haiku are written best and appreciated best through intelligence of the heart.” She then asks, “How do poets interpret the intelligence of the heart?” My answer consists of just 12 words and appears on page 126.

The intelligence of the heart is passion tempered by reason and experience.

— John J. Dunphy

John J. Dunphy’s poetry collections include Old Soldiers Fading Away, Zen Koanhead, Touching Each Tree, pagan rites, Bullet Cluster, Stellar Possibilities and Dark Nebulae. He is also the author of non-fiction works such as Unsung Heroes of the Dachau Trials: The Investigative Work of the U.S. Army 7708 War Crimes Group, 1945–1947. He owns The Second Reading Book Shop in Alton, IL, USA