Friday is for Poetry
04/24/2020
Spring is taking its time around here . . . just kind of moving in fits and starts.
And, well, that's me, too.
Moving in fits and starts.
So let's just not worry about it -- and have some poetry.
The Moment
Margaret Atwood
The moment when, after many years
of hard work and a long voyage
you stand in the centre of your room,
house, half-acre, square mile, island, country,
knowing at last how you got there,
and say, I own this,
is the same moment when the trees unloose
their soft arms from around you,
the birds take back their language,
the cliffs fissure and collapse,
the air moves back from you like a wave
and you can't breathe.
No, they whisper. You own nothing.
You were a visitor, time after time
climbing the hill, planting the flag, proclaiming.
We never belonged to you.
You never found us.
It was always the other way round.
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April is National Poetry Month, and each year, in April, I celebrate poetry here on my blog . . .hoping to win over some converts to the beauty and peace and accessibility of poetry. Sharing something that brings me joy.
Today's poem was published in Poetry of Presence: An Anthology of Mindfulness Poems, 2017, Grayson Books, and edited by Phyllis Cole-Dar and Ruby R. Wilson. Information about the author can be found here.
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My best wishes to all of you . . . for a weekend filled with peace and solace.
Good choice Kym! Have a wonderful, relaxing weekend. Enjoy!
Posted by: Vera | 04/24/2020 at 02:15 PM
How was I never aware that Margaret Atwood is also a poet? Well, now I know, and this is a perfect choice!
Posted by: Bonny | 04/24/2020 at 02:19 PM
That poem is beautiful and wise and I love it. I had no idea Margaret Atwood wrote poetry, too.
Posted by: Carole | 04/24/2020 at 05:11 PM
I didn't know Margaret Atwood wrote poetry either, but I guess I shouldn't be too surprised. This is a lovely selection.
Posted by: Sarah | 04/25/2020 at 08:42 AM
That poem... perfect for the final Friday of National Poetry month! (although, perhaps Friday's are for Poetry should be a permanent thing!)
Happy weekend!
Posted by: Kat | 04/25/2020 at 09:10 AM
Oh yes, a perfect poem for the moment. I am revealing in the beauty of spring this year and loving the sound of the birds. It is their time as there is little noise to compete with and they can SING IT!
Posted by: margene | 04/25/2020 at 10:05 AM
Happy Poetry Month Kym.
Posted by: Jane | 04/26/2020 at 08:32 PM
Lovely, Kym. Thank you! (I do hope you'll continue to share poems even after Thursday! I am so enjoying discovering new favorites right now!)
Posted by: Mary | 04/27/2020 at 05:07 PM