 |
| canyon in Chiapas with waterfall |
Fall silently into this poem, my friend,
and you will find its source—a mind at rest
from ideas and suddenly aware of it.
Oh! I have stillness! Wow! Quiet mind
abruptly ends, but here we are, alert
and questioning ways of falling silent:
The balm of undisturbed forests and lakes—
bodies and paddles dipping carefully
through substance that allows us entry
and bids us notice light differently
as leaves and birds and water droplets seize
on opportunities to exit shade
The resonance of city streets before
the dawn when few awake and none ramble—
straight lines and vectors try not to intercept—
when coins and bills fall from our hands gently
onto blankets of those who have no homes
and we remain anonymous like them.
How different moments of fear can be!
Those that we tiptoe through to save our lives
and those we stand up in to save others—
when we question the choice of falling silent
as action or avoidance, when we fear
making mistakes and getting too involved.
But, ah! This poem
can act for us right now
while writing and reading, before leaving
this sweet window seat with its open air.
Later, in balance, heart-mind link regained
spirit leads us beyond our doors, restored
powerfully from this poem, my friend.
Posted for Poets United Poetry Pantry #311
Please respect my experiment and my copyright.
© 2016 Susan L. Chast
This poem is so lovely, and fortifies my spirit just to read it. I especially loved the paddle through calm waters, looking at the light differently..............this poem is a balm and a blessing, and we need both so much in these times. Thank you, my friend.
ReplyDeletevery peaceful, though there's the hint of the restless...but for the time the restfulness is so needed....
ReplyDeleteI love a poem that make me rest.. We need those moments when we notice silence, and pause if just a bit. This made my mind rest a bit.
ReplyDeleteThis is truly lovely, Susan. I indeed did fall into your poem and found it very restorative. And yes, sometimes after we are restored we find the strength to act again. I really like the words "This poem can act for us right now." Indeed, I think it has! Thanks, Susan.
ReplyDeleteOh Susan, this is absolutely incredible writing, such a whole lot of truth and wisdom in this piece.
ReplyDeleteLots of love,
Sanaa
A quiet mind is a wise mind - funny how when we notice it the thoughts tumble down but here they feel safe and contained perhaps we cannot change the world but we can change how we relate to the world - our own especially
ReplyDeleteOh what a poignant poem Susan...I find that restorative time when I walk at sun up....
ReplyDelete'when we question the choice of falling silent
as action or avoidance, when we fear
making mistakes and getting too involved. '
These lines especially touched me as they are the truth we must accept...we must conquer our fears to find peace.
A beautiful, mindful poem.
ReplyDeleteHow we all need that window seat to look out, slow down, observe the beautiful world and put all our fears and worries behind us. Just what I needed Susan after a tumultuous few days.
ReplyDeletewhen we question the choice of falling silent... when we fear making mistakes and getting too involved... so much to think about in these fabulous lines.. wish the world would rise as one to find peace.
ReplyDeleteLovely and restorative. Beautifully crafted.
ReplyDeletethere is such a zen-like mood about this poem, where i can see the images move silently, gently, in slow-mo.
ReplyDeleteawesome poem. coming from the city, the 3rd stanza resonates with me. this poem is something that i wish i could have written...
Quiet mind is a blessing. Lovely share.
ReplyDeleteNice to have a poem that offers a respite. It is worth the time contending for some needed rest.Great lines Susan!
ReplyDeleteHank
Thank you for this little moment of hopeful peace. I love those still moments and your poem helped me sink into that silent place in my mind and take a little rest.
ReplyDeleteSilence is actually something we hear. ~ Murakami
ReplyDeleteThose descriptions of silent moments want me to go under blanket and savor a myself time. All of the chaos happening around us, I needed a break I guess.
My favorite part is the anonymous donors to homeless. Liked this poem, Susan
Thank you for taking me on that journey, I can feel myself paddling a canoe in stillness
ReplyDeleteWow! This is absolutely wonderful and beautiful.
ReplyDelete