There are some too many days when the overwhelms of the world are so heavy I can’t even manage to open a book of poetry for a moment of respite. In these moments, the best thing I can do is to step outside for a moment or ten… even in the heat, even in the humidity, even with horrendous air quality… and just sit.
I don’t bring my phone or a book… I leave all distractions inside and just sit on my porch and allow the outside to seep into my inside. It has become a little act of escape that I partake of when everything is just too much.
The poem I have selected for August’s Gathering of Poetry speaks to allowing the outside to seep into our insides.
An Apple Tree Was Concerned
by Daniel Ladinsky
after Hafiz
An apple tree told me it was concerned about
a late frost and losing its gift that would help
feed a poor family close by.
And then there were the jams and lots of
apple butter that could be made in a banner
crop year
when the clouds were generous with what
fell from them and the sun rationed itself
with precision.
They can speak, trees, they can say the sweetest
things, and can even tell a joke,
but it takes special ears to hear them, ears
that have listened to people…with great
care.
An Apple Tree Was Concerned from A Year with Hafiz: Daily Contemplations, Copyright © 2011, 2012 by Daniel James Ladinsky.
You can read more about Mr. Ladinsky here.
A huge thanks to Bonny for providing a landing space for us this month!
What a beautiful poem Kat! And I agree – sometimes the only thing to do is step outside and let it come into you. That is just about a daily routine for me.
I maintain that what saved my sanity during the early days of the pandemic was getting outside and taking comfort from nature. It was reassuring to see that things continued to grow and change in spite of all the uncertainty. So thank you for sharing this beautiful poem and reminding me of that! I hope soon we’ll all be able to spend time outside without melting!
This is a delightful poem, Kat, written with gorgeous words that conjure up wonderful imagery. Like Sarah, I remember going outside during the pandemic and feeling safer, and that feeling continues. There is a big oak right in our side yard that I consider my friend and guardian of our home. I will try listening and might even hear a joke.
What a beautiful poem, Kat. I have long had a practice of stepping outside – no matter the weather – to ground myself for a moment or two. This poem – and your words today – perfectly speak to that. Thank you for sharing such a lovely poem. XO
There are so many reasons for us to ‘step outside’ each day…..just to be. Even aged care facilities are taking residents (beds and all when possible) outside.
That’s a neat little poem containing much to think about- I not familiar with a ‘banner crop’ so assume it means the same (or similar) as a ‘bumper crop’
Thanks for sharing
I love this poem. I don’t know this poet so I am off to learn more. Thank you.
Love the poem but I love imaging you sitting outside completely unplugged. That is a treasured moment.