It is not that this year is necessarily different. I have not made good on several of the resolutions, but I have attempted many and I refuse to give up. While I have yet to develop an exercise routine (although I have at least watched the videos), I have had daily devotions. And while I have not developed a daily writing routine, I have journaled about the insights received from those devotions. Baby steps --- I must keep reminding myself of the importance of baby steps.
A Warning to My Readers
Do not think me gentle
because I speak in praise
of gentleness, or elegant
because I honor the grace
that keeps this world. I am
a man crude as any,
gross of speech, intolerant,
stubborn, angry, full
of fits and furies. That I
may have spoken well
at times, is not natural.
A wonder is what it is.
I consider this a warning to my own readers. Somehow this author, who is totally unfamiliar to me as I am to him, has captured the essence of my being. Perhaps this is what poetry is all about. Finding ourselves in the words of others.
Great post, Molly! As you know, I'm not much of a poetry fan either, but I have to admit, that's a wonderful poem!
ReplyDeleteBaby steps are definitely important. My motto is one day at a time and try to do a little better the next day. I like the excerpt you found.
ReplyDeleteOh, I love this, Molly! And that's a great approach to the Collected Poems - wonderful how he introduced himself to you:) Hope you continue to enjoy!
ReplyDeleteThat really grabbed me as well, Molly. I like the idea of just letting a book of poems open where it will. I always find that reading a poem aloud is the best way to enjoy it. Of course, sipping coffee at the local Starbucks and reading poetry aloud makes one seem a bit odd, doesn't it? Oh well . . .
ReplyDeleteI like your attitude about your resolves. Day by day. Enjoy this one.
It sounds like I should try some of Wendell Barry's poetry, since I'm intimidated by poetry as well.
ReplyDeleteThis is great - and I love that poem! Is there another way to read a poetry collection? Although I'm just a beginner, the 'open where it may method' seems to work for me, too.
ReplyDeleteBaby steps are definitely the way to keep you on the road to accomplishing your goals. Good luck with them Molly.
ReplyDeleteI think "baby steps" actually = progress, so keep the positive outlook. Making time for daily devotions helps keep everything else in proportion, so it's great that you have made that a priority.
ReplyDeleteI love poetry, but am also a bit intimidated. Love the Barry poem - a beautiful description of most writers.
Baby steps...the right way to start!!
ReplyDeleteI like that - "Finding ourselves in the words of others." I think that is what writing is about in general, but especially poetry.
ReplyDeleteI am intimidated by poetry too by the way, so I don't read it often.
I was never a fan of poetry in school, but this one somehow speaks to me. Thanks for sharing Molly, and thank you for the sweet comments and prayers for my SIL.
ReplyDeleteBaby steps is definitely the way to go!
ReplyDelete