Only when the two are joined because that’s when we’re living and breathing from such a genuine place, that these intense feelings respect and get along. Get along and want to belong together.
I don't travel often so I actually really like airports- one can observe such diversity there, all people, all ages and sometimes barriers break down and you can actually talk to people who come from different walks of life.
Beautiful. Love this part:
“Joy and sorrow
aren’t two different feelings for it.
It attends us
only when the two are joined.”
Only when the two are joined because that’s when we’re living and breathing from such a genuine place, that these intense feelings respect and get along. Get along and want to belong together.
Thanks so much for sharing this poem, Phyllis.
Kate
You’re so welcome, Kate. And thanks for your take on joy and sorrow “wanting to belong together.”
Same take on the key stanza here:
Joy and sorrow
aren’t two different feelings for it.
It attends us
only when the two are joined.
I tend to pair grief and gratitude, but it’s the same energetically. I also like the way Rilke expressed this paradoxical embracing of opposites:
Take your well-disciplined strengths
And stretch them between two opposing poles.
For inside human beings
Is where God learns.
Those pairings are essential in my life, too, Bill, and I appreciate your take. Nice reference to Rilke!
I'm at the airport so this stanza really struck a chord:
"It’s picky:
it doesn’t like seeing us in crowds,
our hustling for a dubious advantage
and creaky machinations make it sick."
Can you imagine anywhere more soulless than an airport???
Ah, but I have encountered much soul in airports over the years . . .
I believe you!
I don't travel often so I actually really like airports- one can observe such diversity there, all people, all ages and sometimes barriers break down and you can actually talk to people who come from different walks of life.
Would that we all could be so wise and loving.
Would that we all would try . . .