In the spirit of Martin Luther King Day and figuring that many of our New Year's resolutions have already gone by the wayside, I thought I would share a poem that seems to provide a different kind of inspiration.
This poem was written in response to a workshop assignment by poet and teacher extraordinaire, A.V. Christie, to write a ten-line poem. After staring at a blank page for a considerable amount of time, I listed everything I could think of that came in 'tens' and landed on The Ten Commandments.
My religious education, such as it was, took place a while ago so I admit to having to google them. And, well, The Ten Commandmants are pretty harsh. So instead, I offer up The Ten Suggestions, some inspirational (and perhaps even attainable) thoughts for the coming year.
Wishing everyone a healthy, warm and creative 2010.
The Ten Suggestions
Let this come first.
What you have can be enough.
Tell the truth if you can.
Take only what is yours to take.
Be steadfast in your love.
Revive what can be saved.
Stop. Rest a bit.
See things for what they are.
Remember who carried you here.
Write their names.
Information on the Dialogues with Darwin performance on February 19 and 21 can be found below.
Want to get in touch? Email me here.
The Ten Suggestions
Let this come first.
What you have can be enough.
Tell the truth if you can.
Take only what is yours to take.
Be steadfast in your love.
Revive what can be saved.
Stop. Rest a bit.
See things for what they are.
Remember who carried you here.
Write their names.
Information on the Dialogues with Darwin performance on February 19 and 21 can be found below.
Want to get in touch? Email me here.
Beth,
ReplyDeletethanks for the reminder of what is important!
things are slow and difficult these days especially with Haiti. It is always good to remind ourselves of all that we have!
Really like the restraint of language and the breadth of ideas in this one. Holds a lot for such a little poem.
ReplyDelete