Love After Love
The time will come
when, with elation
you will greet yourself arriving
at your own door, in your own mirror
and each will smile at the other's welcome,
and say, sit here. Eat.
You will love again the stranger who was your self.
Give wine. Give bread. Give back your heart to itself,
to the stranger who has loved you
all your life, whom you ignored
for another, who knows you by heart.
Take down the love letters from the bookshelf,
the photographs, the desperate notes,
peel your own image from the mirror.
Sit. Feast on your life.
––Derek Walcott
The Photographs
Spanning Many Years
Many Roles
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| ~ The Sweet Fragrance of Childhood ~ |
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| Student on Trip to England with Professor |
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| Teacher in Classroom |
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| Wife of High School Principal |
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| Mother of Five Children |
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| Grandmother of Seven |
April is National Poetry Month
Repost of thoughts about this poem from blog entry posted in December of 2009:
We play many roles in this life. As mothers, as sisters, as wives, as teachers, I think we don't always take good enough care of ourselves. Not only do we neglect ourselves, but we sometimes find that we have become "the stranger who was your self."
At the end of 2009, I am working on becoming reacquainted with my self. What do I really want to do with the remaining years that I have left? What is really important? What remains in my life, and what do I discard?
I hope to start taking down those "love letters from the bookshelf" and explore who I was, who I have become, and what it all means. The demands of motherhood, career, and professional responsibilities are now behind me. It will be interesting to see what choices I make in 2010.
This is a very thoughtful and poignant post, Sally, thinking of the past and the present, and who we are to ourselves. Thank you so much for your presence in my life.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful poem! What instantly comes to mind is blogging and how much I love it.How much happier I feel just by being able to write everyday. How I have found a part of me that was hidden away, while I did all those Mommy things. Thanks you! Blessings, Joanne
ReplyDeleteThis makes me smile - both the poem and the pictures. Love to you.
ReplyDeleteI had not encountered that poem. Lots to think about. Thank you for the privilege of going on a bit of your journey with you through your words and photos.
ReplyDeleteYou have had to deal with much more than many, but I see that you are also blessed with a lot of beautiful loved ones around you. I'm so glad. Thank you for letting us into your world, Sally. Please take good care of yourself.
ReplyDeleteI like your linking of the photos of your life with this lovely poem. In our blogs we witness each others' journey which helps in that process of finding ourselves. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteLove your blog and the photo trip through the parts of your life. I am a Baby Boomer (Just turned 60) and find myself doing that more and more. Leaving my mark on the world I guess. I am blogging up a storm and have published 3 books. Working on some more.Wish I could add the "Retired" to my name but I have 4 more years as a Reading Specialist in an elementary school. Love it but would love to work full time on writing. Nice to meet you!
ReplyDeleteI had never seen this poem and I really love the direction it takes my thoughts.
ReplyDeleteIt was very fun to see your photos....I also have seven grandchildren.
Hi Sally, I'm so glad to get to know you... Five children, huh? I knew about the 3 daughters --but didn't know about the sons. AND--7 grands???? Wow... I only have five.
ReplyDeleteYES---we do need to get in touch with ourselves as we go through life playing all kinds of roles --and basically, taking care of the world. I don't think I EVER took care of ME --until I retired. These days, I'm loving the ME that I am!!!!!
Love the poem and this post.
Hugs,
Betsy
Hi Sally, wow. This is a wonderful post, and I so appreciate you sharing it with us. I do enjoy getting older, and blogging has really helped me to incorporate all the areas, ages and stages of my life as I discover new interests and meet new friends.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for stopping by and for being one of the new friends that I have met.
God bless,
Kathy M.
The poem is a celebration of life and your photos are a tribute to a life well-lived.Take care of yourself - I'll do the same.
ReplyDeleteSally, Thank you so much for all the sweet comments you wrote on my blog. They mean so much to me and I appreciate everytime you stop by for a visit! Blessings, Joanne
ReplyDeleteit's time to take stock of the passing years and enjoy life. Lovely pictures of you through your life.
ReplyDelete