We live in strange and frightening times. A resurgent Russia, trying to seize back an independent Ukraine, threatens nuclear war. Der Furor noisily paints a picture of a "bloodbath for the country" if he loses the election, and a national hellscape utterly at odds with reality, but fervently believed by his cult. Storms become worse and sea levels rise as the climate responds to our centuries of abuse. Yes, it's a tough time. How do we cope? Today's poem by Kim Stafford has some suggestions ...
Citizen of Dark Times
by Kim Stafford
Agenda in a time of fear: Be not afraid.
When things go wrong, do right.
Set out by the half-light of the seeker.
For the well-lit problem begins to heal.
Learn tropism toward the difficult.
We have not arrived to explain, but to sing.
Young idealism ripens into an ethical life.
Prune back regret to let faith grow.
When you hit rock bottom, dig farther down.
Grief is the seed of singing, shame the seed of song.
Keep seeing what you are not saying.
Plunder your reticence.
Songbird guards a twig, its only weapon a song.
If your only weapon is a song, be sure you sing it loud enough to resonate with those who refuse to sing.
Have a good day and enjoy the rest of your weekend. More thoughts coming.
Bilbo
No comments:
Post a Comment