"The Opening of Eyes"
That day I saw beneath dark clouds
the passing light over the water
and I heard the voice of the world speak out,
I knew then, as I had before,
life is no passing memory of what has been
nor the remaining pages in a great book
waiting to be read.
It is the opening of eyes long closed.
It is the vision of far off things
seen for the silence they hold.
It is the heart after years
of secret conversing
speaking out loud in the clear air.
It is Moses in the desert
fallen to his knees before the lit bush.
It is the man throwing away his shoes
as if to enter heaven
and finding himself astonished,
opened at last,
fallen in love with solid ground.
~ David Whyte
Photograph by Montucky who lives and hikes in western Montana. I encourage you to see the beauty of this world through his eyes: http://www.montucky.wordpress.com
Great poem, Teresa, one that really resonates with me as I approach my seventieth birthday later this week.
ReplyDeleteGood Morning, George! We've been on this journey a while now and I'm so grateful for having the opportunity to vicariously travel along on your wonderful hiking adventures. I might never walk Hadrian's Wall, but feel I have because of your wonderful photographic travelogue. Happy Birthday, my friend, and may the journey continue down many beautiful roads.
DeleteI am in love with the solid ground, too, but I also love the air above it! Thank you again for introducing me to another wonderful poet. And thanks for the comments you leave on my blogs, Teresa. They are always thoughtful. :-)
ReplyDeleteIt's nice to share our Sunday mornings together in this way. Thank you, Jan.
DeleteTeresa -- You select such nice poems for us to read. They make our feet stay on solid ground -- barbara
ReplyDeleteThank you, Barbara. I'm so glad that what speaks to me, speaks to you, also. Poetry is even more meaningful when shared.
Delete"It is the opening of eyes long closed" - love that. I talked myself about "using my ordinary eyes and ears to experience the other-ordinary". Have no idea where that phrase came from as I was writing it!
ReplyDeleteIsn't that a great line? And isn't it fun when a new way of expressing something pops out and onto the page? I'm happy for you! It's also a great line!
DeleteWonderful, wonderful poem to go along with the picture and appreciated link, Teresa. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteIt's hard not to be in love with solid ground when looking at that picture. What a beautiful place to be standing.
DeleteA poem to make one think! My favorite kind. ;) Love this! Life is only right here, right now, eyes wide open, with this earth beneath us. What a glorious trip! :)
ReplyDeleteI'm in love with this world. It is a beautiful trip, with fine traveling companions. :)
DeleteI love the poem, Teresa! You are right, the photo fits well with it.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you think so. Thank you so much for giving me permission to use it. It does illustrate it beautifully, as would so many of your photographs, but that path winding to the edge...just wonderful.
DeleteAnd when the earth shall claim your limbs, then shall you truly dance. ~ Khalil Gibran
ReplyDeleteHI Will! Thank you for the Gibran!
DeleteDear Teresa, thank you. The last stanza of Whyte's poem speaks to an image that is often in my mind when I read words--prose/poetry--that touch the deep down center of myself where Oneness dwells. Peace.
ReplyDeleteIsn't that a beautiful stanza? David Whyte is an extraordinary poet.
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