a bookmarked poem and a gift {poetry thursday}
This week's idea at Poetry Thursday spoke to me for many reasons. I love the idea of bringing poetry into the every day moments of our lives. To allow ourselves to stop being afraid of poetry (if that is the case) or to let others in on our love of poetry. Carrying poetry with you and sharing it is a beautiful thing. Even if you share only with yourself. To know that you have these special words along for the ride of whatever is before you. I also loved this idea because it was perfect for the hecticness of my life. Meaning, I haven't had time to write much lately, but I appreciated the invitation to stop and take a breath and read a poem that I love (thanks Lynn).
Because I am spending most of my time with my laptop attached to me, I decided to electronically bookmark my poem and click to it every now and then as I worked. And I have done this over the last few days. (I have to admit that I like the idea of actually writing out the poem and putting it in your pocket. I want to do that soon too.) Because I have felt a bit melancholy, I wanted to turn to someone who would fill me up a bit. And this person continues to be William Stafford. The words of his poem "Sending These Messages" have been like balm for my aching heart this week. They have been a reminder of why I write, why I read, of all that poetry is for me. You can read it here.
I haven't mentioned the exciting news that earlier this month one of the women I work for hired me full time! So I am still editing from home and taking on some freelance projects, but I will have steady work from now on. This is a fantastic development for me (and I won't go into how excited I am to be working for her because she is a woman with integrity and is so honest...I don't want kiss up or anything but really I am lucky).
However, my time has been a bit stretched with summer and weddings and other things going on, so I am feeling a bit disconnected from things other than editing. I found out Monday that the yoga studio I teach at is closing. Now. So last night was my last class there (I will still have my community center class) and I already miss my regular students. It has been a very odd few weeks. And spending the weekend with family, coming back to a project that has been a bit crazier than expected, and the closing of the studio has just added to it all. As I mentioned in a previous post, this family gathering was the first one since my grandmother's death. And this weighed heavily on me. No one talked about her. It was so odd. I miss her deeply. I wanted to talk about her. But it was a wedding weekend and not about this. I get that. Still, my heart feels a bit depleted with it all.
And my husband knows this.
So last night, when I came to bed in the middle of the night because I was working late, I found a book of poetry on my pillow with a love note.
Tonight, I opened the book and read these words:
And I am thinking: maybe just looking and listening
is the real work.
Maybe the world, without us,
is the real poem.
From the first section of the poem "From the Book of Time" in Mary Oliver's book The Leaf and the Cloud.
This is the year I have been given the gift of poetry.
Thank you.
poetry
Reader Comments (16)
a wonderful and heartfelt post. this is the 3rd time that mary oliver has come up for me today, i really must look her poetry up. i loved the poem you linked to as well, very lovely.
An aching, and heartfelt, as Leonie said, post. Yes, perhaps the world without is is the poem, but we are part of the world, so I can't help but believe, we are part of the poem too.
Thanks for your post.
How wonderful Liz, that your husband left you that beautiful and thoughtfully loving gift.
Bummer about the yoga studio closing, but big congrats on the full-time job!
What a lovely thing for your husband to do.
Mary Oliver has long been revered as a goddess in my personal pantheon, but William Stafford I am still newly discovering (I know, but better late than never). I welcomed the chance to read another poem of his--so, thank you. It does sound like you have many, many, many changes going on in your life...glad to hear you have such a thoughtful spouse and the gift of poetry to keep you grounded.
Congrats on your new job :) Your husband is the best gift of all!
MO ROCKS!
MO - wow she really is everywhere this week. I most definitely am enjoying it:)
What a beautiful gift. Thanks to you I also have been given the gift of appreciating poetry because of Poetry Thursday.
I am glad you have that new job.
I am sorry you didn't get to talk about your grandma to those who also knew and loved her.
I hope you get the chance to soon. Also know you can always call me and talk about her if you want:)
Loving you
I am so sorry to hear about the yoga studio closing, especially with so little warning. But I am glad to hear you have such a wonderful husband who leaves you books of poetry on your pillow when you need it the most. You live a truly full life Liz. This post even made me a little teary eyed!
And Liz...your grandma loves you as much as you love her. Do you believe in angels?
love to you,
j.
Sounds like a lot of change going on for you, but I'm sure you will pull all the positive aspects together to enrich your life.
That husband of yours--what a sweetheart!
your husband is a kind and thoughtful man, Liz. you're both lucky to have each other. and that w.stafford poem -- perfectly filling and so good. good luck with your new full time work. that's great and I wish you the best.
((((((((you)))))))))))
http://maureensphotoblog.blogspot.com" REL="nofollow">Maureen/Ravengrrl
Oh, wow Liz! First of all, congrats on the job you enjoy affording more financial security. Second, what a wonderful romantic and thoughtful husband you have! Third, I've found that this is often the case when families get together minus a dear departed relative - they don't talk about that person, perhaps because it's still too painful; maybe because they don't know what to say. I'm the one who's always bringing that missing person up - and then people often respond in kind. Family gatherings frequently are a bit charged and/or tricky - at least my family gatherings are! :) And finally, sorry about the yoga studio closing - perhaps you'll find an opportunity elsewhere that pleases you more! Sending a book hug across the miles. And thank you for sharing your lovely prose and the excerpt from the Oliver poem. xo
I really enjoyed your linked poem... The connection through words and the moments between moments. Thanks for sharing.
What a sweet man!
I understand your missing her. It has been a year this month that I lost my rock of a grandpa. Whenever everyone gets together at his home, near his gardens...It is so hard to be there, where he should be, but is not. :(
:)
You have a gem of a man there - but I'm sure you know that! That's such a lovely gesture, and such a nurturing act. I am with all the others who commiserate on your losses and congratulate on your successes. Your life is certainly full at the moment. I'm just glad you continue to find time to be with us here. Keep well.
congrats on the job situation. that's awesome. yeah you.
everytime i read william stafford i say to myself, "i've got to get some of his work." and of course mary oliver is my all time fav but i don't have this book...note to self: must get soon...
lovin' you girl! ...and never fear, i know all about the craziness. i'm stuck in it too...
this is a heartfelt and comforting post, liz. the lines from mary oliver give perspective...
(leone, start with "wild geese" by mary oliver. you will forever treat yourself more gently after reading it.)
not acknowledging your grandmother and her loss within your family is sad. i hope that changes for you in one way or another. families can be pretty tough.
transitions can be too. i've always thought the hardest time is as you are turning the corner and don't know yet where your feet will land.
best wishes, kj