It's never easy when you get the call. A great uncle passed away peacefully in his home last night after a long and fruitful life. His passing was something of a surprise, as in recent years he had greatly improved his health and happiness through a daily workout routine. I came across this poem last night, but today I felt like I just had to share it. It's never too late to change your life. Every day that you live better will be a gift. Small changes count.
The Journey
One day you finally knew
what you had to do, and began,
though the voices around you
kept shouting
their bad advice--
though the whole house
began to tremble
and you felt the old tug
at your ankles.
"Mend my life!"
each voice cried.
But you didn't stop.
You knew what you had to do,
though the wind pried
with its stiff fingers
at the very foundations,
though their melancholy
was terrible.
It was already late
enough, and a wild night,
and the road full of fallen
branches and stones.
But little by little,
as you left their voices behind,
the stars began to burn
through the sheets of clouds,
and there was a new voice
which you slowly
recognized as your own,
that kept you company
as you strode deeper and deeper
into the world,
determined to do
the only thing you could do--
determined to save
the only life you could save.
3 comments:
Sad to hear about Uncle Phil. He was a fun guy. I loved the poem. Thanks!
Now that is one of the best poems I have read in a long time. Very much on target with following the path to self fulfilment & meaning in spite of any naysayers and bad life experiences. What is a life without goals and what are goals without the human spirit? Your uncle fought the good fight, ran the good race, and inspired the family's next generation. Thanks for posting this positive prose.
I find so much spiritual comfort and inspiration in Mary Oliver's poems. Thanks for sharing!
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