Self Portrait ~ Wrapped in Red
~*~ 'The Waking' by Theodore Roethke ~*~
I wake to sleep, and take my waking slow.
I feel my fate in what I cannot fear.
I learn by going where I have to go.
We think by feeling. What is there to know?
I hear my being dance from ear to ear.
I wake to sleep, and take my waking slow.
Of those so close beside me, which are you?
God bless the Ground! I shall walk softly there,
And learn by going where I have to go.
Light takes the Tree; but who can tell us how?
The lowly worm climbs up a winding stair;
I wake to sleep, and take my waking slow.
Great Nature has another thing to do
To you and me; so take the lively air,
And, lovely, learn by going where to go.
This shaking keeps me steady. I should know.
What falls away is always. And is near.
I wake to sleep, and take my waking slow.
I learn by going where I have to go.
(25 May 1908 - 1 August 1963)
This is how I read poems.
I'm one of those people who are not afraid to write in books. I dissect them and try to interpret what the author is saying to 'me' and I'm sure many of you do this too. This poem spoke volumes to me. Mainly that....Sleeping is something we can count on doing, so when you are awake...live! Death is inevitable, so since you're alive...live! Spiritually, we are not supposed to worry, so...live! Things are going to happen, so...learn love live! And THAT my friends, is the simple message for the hour :)
posted by Darlene at
12:09 AM
23 Comments:
Such good news that you're feeling better.
I've never heard of that poem before...so serene,stressless and I agree with you about scribbling thoughts on the page.
Have a good day,
Angelax
I love how you live books by marking them up, letting them speak to you ... an amazing, wonderful poem choice, Darlene. AND, gorgeous pic of YOU my love. Wow! Smart, spiritual, loving and HOT! Yeah ;-) you rock! much my peace my dear dar, love, JP
That is a great photo and wise words indeed Sweey friend.
xx
i need to take more lively air :-) that is a beautiful picture of you, D - so serene yet vulnerable. hope you're doing okay - and the 5th of Feb s my birthday (how did you know? ;-) xo
Great message, and thanks for sharing the visual of your poem.
I have always loved this poem, and the older I become the more I appreciate the line "I learn by going where I have to go." So much is learned in the experience of living, and we can "make it or break it" by the things we choose to do and feel with our lives.
Thanks for sharing the picture of your poetry book! I love how you "digest" a poem, really joining in a partnership with the poet, as you write your responses. I did that in college, but have stopped for some (silly!) reason. Good reminder to start again ;)
Beautiful picture of beautiful you, too! Glad you're feeling better.
Thank you. I love this. What great inspiration this gave me to start my day. It's around 6am and I am getting ready to tackle the day in major blizzard weather, and this poem and your words made me excited for this day. I hope yours is going to be a wonderful day, and you are feeling better.
Throwing you a kiss!
xxxooo
Teresa
...i hope you're okay. this poem made me sniffle a little, not sure why, but it just did. i love how you make me think...love to you.
learn - love - live
what a beautiful mantra.
and for you, so engaging in everything that you do, you draw out the life in everything you touch. thank you for touching all of us.
That's such a beautiful portrait of you!
And about the books, I'm so odd I suppose...I don't like to write in them myself, but when I go to used book stores or flea markets, I like finding certain types of books (poetry among them) that other people have written in.
i love that you aren't afraid to write in books...and love it even more that you scanned in your writing on the poem. beautiful you.
Wow! I love that poem... And what is strange is that yesterday I was making something with the words learn, love, and live in them... I have never heard that poem before but what a happy coincidence! I should send them to you, looks like we were thinking along the same lines.
xoxo
Georgia
PS
You look so beautiful!!!
Wonderful poem, great picture of you and just felt good coming here today and seeing all is well. Really enjoyed the poem.
Hope your day is great!
sandy
p.s. I took a stroll through your flicker pics and you have a great eye for photography. Really enjoyed my excursion over there.
The poem is truly inspirational, but the real treasure here is you. I love the photo of you and so appreciate seeing how you "read."
I have to admit that I'm like DebR, I find it difficult to actually mark up a book. Usually I type or write by hand--the act of writing or typing helps seat the words in my brain.
Nice poem, really moving.
I'm slowly (formerly reluctantly) growing into poetry. Spent my life having no use for it at all--strange for someone who likes music so much, and likes vocal music so much, I suppose. But, then, which of us ever completely figures ourselves out?
love seeing your scribblings on the page... ; )
and love this serene picture of you.
love you sis.
having loads of books on our shelves, you would think i would be inspired to read (and write in) them. this is very lovely. i am so glad you are feeling better just as all your previous commenters have said. take care. poet.
your message is one I think many of us need to learn to embrace. Thank you for always having the right words to say dear Darlene! and yes me must catch up via email soon!
Love and light!
Lisa
I love writing in books - it's kind of like keeping a journal. When I reread them a year or two (or ten) later, it's so interesting to see how things hit me differently, or to know how situations worked out. Nice to know I'm not the only one :)
This poem I love... and have loved for some time!
"I learn by going where I have to go"... resonates with me so much!
Infact Monday night... after pottery I had the urge to visit my dear friend who has this poem on the back of his toilet door.
I love those spiritual callings.
Very wise soul you Dar.
I love and ((hugs)) you my dear friend.
Bx
I love that poem! And your message is beautiful. Thank you for sharing. Love to you, dear one.
Did you mark my manuscript yet? I'd be honoured! Can you send me a pic?
love x x x x x
I love coming across a book an earlier version of me scribbled in. Working out who she was and what she meant, recreating that moment is joyous.
i heart your photo
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