This poem was scrolling through my thoughts as I ran yesterday, and as I wrote about the elegaic quality of January’s light. It epitomizes for me the resignation and sadness that inhabit a January day’s 4 o’clock glorious golden light. And, in truth, the resignation and sadness that are inextricably intertwined with life’s great triumphs and joys.
Jane Kenyon, Mary Oliver, and Sharon Olds are my favorite poets right now. They write about simple things, about ordinary days, in a way that elucidates the grand themes of love and loss, life and death. I wasn’t going to post this poem, but Jen’s words today at Momalom convinced me to do so. Coincidences don’t happen: there must be a reason I’m thinking of this beautiful poem now.
Let the fox go back to its sandy den.
Let the wind die down. Let the shed
go black inside. Let evening come.
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I’m not sure why I don’t read more poetry. I love it. But now that I’m not in school being an English major, I don’t think to read it. Hmmmm.
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This is lovely.
One of my favorite poems is on my site – Emerging, by Pablo Neruda. Powerful.
http://dailyplateofcrazy.com/other-stuff/emerging-by-pablo-neruda/
Wintry weather encourages poetry reading, doesn’t it…
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Gorgeous. One word. For that poem and for your surrounding words. Gorgeous.
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Glorious.
Do you like Ellen Bass & Pablo Neruda? I’ve been rereading some of their stuff this past week. So good.
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This is beautiful. I will have to look for more of Kenyon’s works.
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that photo is a poem in and of itself. i’m such a sucker for poetry – got so lost here. first arrived more than 40 minutes ago. been clicking/checking out other poetry mentioned. jane kenyon is one of my faves. this one complements your photo perfectly.
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We share love for some fantastic poets, soulful poetry and obviously… being in the moment. Thank you… thank you.
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I love it when someone shares a poem that speaks to them. This one is gorgeous.
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I agree with you about coincidences. I don’t believe in them as ONLY coincidences. I am almost finished with Hall’s book about Kenyon, and it has been so good for me to read it, referring back to “Otherwise” at Hall’s every poetic reference. I almost feel academic again, and I’m enjoying it. Who knew!
And, Mary Oliver is an all-time favorite of mine, too.
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Thank you. Though I know there are lots of people benefiting from your words and posting this poem, they are such a comfort to me in this moment that I greedily feel ‘this is for ME’. Thank you.
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