I chose today's poem at random from Poetry of Presence (the only book of poetry I have with me in MD) but it felt right. I hope it also says something to you.
The Cure
Albert Huffstickler
We think we get over things.
We don't get over things.
Or say, we get over the measles
but not a broken heart.
We need to make that distinction.
The things that become part of our experience
never become less a part of our experience.
How can I say it?
The way to "get over" a life is to die.
Short of that, you move with it,
let the pain be pain,
not in the hope it will vanish
but in the faith it will fit in,
find its place in the shape of things.
and be then not any less pain but true to form.
Because anything natural has an inherent shape
and will flow towards it.
And a life is as natural as a leaf.
That's what we're looking for:
not the end of a thing but the shape of it.
Wisdom is seeing the shape of your life
without obliterating (getting over) a single
instant of it.
Huffstickler, Albert. "The Cure." Poetry of Presence, Grayson Books, 2017, p. 155.
You can read more about the author here.
This book has a dedication "to the poets who help us be mindful in a world that has urgent need of presence." I wish you mindfulness, presence, and calm as this week winds down.
Oh my. That poem really speaks to my heart, especially these lines: let the pain be pain, not in the hope it will vanish but in the faith it will fit in. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely and introspective poem for today, Bonny. It does speak to me, and I thank you for finding it and sharing it with me. I will think about it today, and hopefully tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteThat is so appropriate for these times we're living through. The goal of the present time isn't to get back to normal, it's to adapt to reality -- to let this moment take shape in our lives. Thank you for sharing these powerful words.
ReplyDeleteOh I like this one a lot Bonny. LIke Carole, I love the line "in the faith it will fit in" and also "wisdom is seeking the shape of your life without obliterating (getting over) a single instant of it." Precious words!
ReplyDeleteI like it!
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely wonderful. I loved each word. WOw. Will pass it along to those I know grieving.
ReplyDeleteWords I needed to hear today, thank you.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful words... poetry makes life just so much richer! Thank you!
ReplyDeletethe ending is the best! Thank you for sharing a lovely poem.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely poem. I love the idea of looking for the shape of a thing. The poem is a perfect match for your photo.
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