Robert Frost’s poem, I Could Give All to Time, ends with the idea that in spite of the relentlessness of Time, we can gather and keep the things that we have held, crossing them to Safety.
I could give all to Time except – except
What I myself have held. But why declare
The things forbidden that while the Customs slept
I have crossed to Safety with? For I am There,
And what I would not part with I have kept.
As my friend was living in the last days of her life, I wrote a poem for her inspired by all of the things that she taught me about being human, about living and dying. I imagined her surrounded by all of the things that she had held and loved.
For April: A Gathering in Purple and Teal
Gather it to you
Cari Shields
Summon all of the beauty you have known
Bid the company of
the strength of an old oak
the promise of budding flowers
the comfort of the warm sun on your face
Beckon
hands that channeled wonder with a paint brush
fingers that lovingly touched the dirt
the lap that held and nurtured children who now nurture you
Welcome
shared laughter and shared tears
kind words given and received
bold thoughts that deepened friendship
and a little sass
Call on
the life that you birthed
in home and garden and hearts
Invite
the life that will continue to grow
generously outward
from all of the seeds you have planted
And when it is gathered
dress it all in purple and teal
and dance
And call it love.
Spark: What would you gather for yourself or a friend? What have you “crossed to Safety with?” Can you write, draw or paint what you would gather? See below if you want to share your work.
Enjoy this contribution to Creative Sparks, a feature of our Community Conversation about sharing sources of inspiration. See the original post for ways to add a spark.
Thank you Cari for your most delightful and hopeful poem which spoke into our lives this morning.
Thank Marlene, coming from you that means a lot!
Beautiful poem Cari..Thank you.
Deirdre Bannon