The thing isto love life
to love it even when you have no
stomach for it, when everything you held
dear crumbles like burnt paper in your hands
and your throat is filled with the silt of it.
When grief sits with you so heavily
it’s like heat, tropical, moist
thickening the air so it’s heavy like water,
more fit for gills than lungs.
When grief weights you like your own flesh
only more of it, an obesity of grief.
How long can a body withstand this? you think,
and yet you hold life like a face between your palms,
a plain face, with no charming smile
or twinkle in her eye,
and you say , yes, I will take you
I will love you, again.
-Ellen Bass
***
I love this poem. It speaks to my heart.
There are times in one’s life when one wants to simply put back one’s head and howl…..
There are times when one questions life.
There are times when one questions the workings of God.
But one heaves a heavy sigh and picks up one’s life again – to love it in all it’s entirety, the good as well as the bad.
One acknowledges that one can never understand the workings of God.
So be it…..
But it is not an easy thing to do.
Thanks for sharing that poem and your thoughts, Gaynor. The poet speaks from experience of that dark night of the soul yet also speaks also of hope. You’re right, we can’t question God, although we do, but trust in HIM.
Yes, Sandy, you’re totally right but often that “Why” slips out!!!
With a soft laugh I kiss your eyes
Gaynor
Thanks for this dear Gaynor. Resonates so strongly with me. Love and a hug
With me too, John!
Gently I kiss your eyes
Gaynor
Beautifully said Gaynor. There will be times when we question … and do not understand Why? Many times we don’t receive the answers we want. It is at these difficult times, hard to remember the Lord will not put things in our lives we cannot cope with; He will grant us the strength to face these challenges.
We can learn so much from others’ experiences. Thank you for sharing.
Yes, agreed, Romary! Have a blessed Sunday.
With a smile I kiss your eyes
Gaynor
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