Poetry Friday is hosted today by the wonderful Kathryn Apel from down under with lots of happy pictures of kids creating. Thanks, Kat! You can find her blog HERE!
I know that you know many sites available for giving to help the people in Texas after this terrible weather tragedy. So many have posted those sites, and many have already given what they are able. I imagine we will be helping for a long time.
No matter how much humans try hard to live lives with joy and good will, some are slapped down and must find a way to rise and take a next step. I am touched when I see the pictures of people helping in every way, sometimes very tough ways, or people in shelters smiling to get their meals although they're wading through water because their shelter has flooded. I have a poem from William Stafford that I feel connects to us in this time. I hope you see that having a meal, even knee-deep in water, is what he's writing about.
It begins:
Yes
It could happen any time, tornado,
earthquake, Armageddon. It could happen.
Or sunshine, love, salvation.
It could you know.
It could happen any time, tornado,
earthquake, Armageddon. It could happen.
Or sunshine, love, salvation.
It could you know.
Read the rest HERE.
No guarantees in life but the bonuses are wonderful. Thanks for sharing Stafford's wonderful poem. The furniture store man in Houston had a heart-warming moment on ABC News. I was touched that he opened his store as a shelter for those who were displaced from their homes in Houston. Kindness Matters !
ReplyDeleteYes, I saw that owner interviewed. What a wonderful thing he did. Thanks, Carol.
DeleteA poem that makes you stop and consciously look for things to be thankful for, Linda. Sometimes they leap out at us, but other times we have to take the time to find them.
ReplyDeleteIt makes one feel better to look, too, Kat. Thanks!
DeleteLove the focus on the right now...the moment. Beautiful poem.
ReplyDeletePerfect poem to share this week, Linda - thank you.
ReplyDeleteSo few words wrap up everything. Wow. I love this. Thanks for sharing. It's a keeper. Hug your loved ones for me. I'll do the same. We all need to remember how precious we are to each other.
ReplyDeleteOh, I love this poem and it's brand new to me. I was just commenting to my husband that we never know what tomorrow will bring. But today . . . I'll choose to cherish the bonuses and look for sunshine, love, and salvation.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Buffy, Robyn, Linda & Ramona. I'm so glad you like the poem. It is a favorite and connected to this week so well to me, too.
ReplyDeleteI love William Stafford's poetry! My husband always says, "Anything can happen to anyone at anytime." So true. We are happy to be clear of Harvey's wrath. My heart goes out to Houston.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you and your family are okay, Margaret. Now we all need to help those affected by this terrible tragedy. Thanks!
DeleteNo guarantees, except for the kindness and generosity of those lucky enough (this time) to be away from the disaster, whatever it might be.
ReplyDeleteI love this one.
ReplyDeleteThanks Mary Lee and Ruth.
ReplyDeleteThere are no guarantees, but I am thankful for those moments of sunshine, love, and salvation that shine through even in the worst tragedies. May we create many more such moments.
ReplyDeleteRealizing no guarantees should make us thankful. Such tragedy. My sister-in-law lives in Katy, Texas and the water came to the curb, but thankfully, not into the house. My heart goes out to all of those who were affected.
ReplyDeleteEvery once in a while I run across a poem in my PF rounds that I copy and keep for myself. One that I know I'm going to want to return to again and again. This is one of those. Thanks so much for sharing it, Linda.
ReplyDeleteThank you Kay, Leigh Anne and Michelle. I'm glad that you like the poem. It feels just right for us at this time.
ReplyDeleteThose possibilities do make life an adventure.
ReplyDeleteI like the connected immediacy of this poem, Linda–it tells us what's important and to appreciate the moment, and it tells it in so few words, thanks!
ReplyDelete