I think this is wonderful, Elizabeth, and I very much read it in the spirit it was written - not as a shrug but as an acknowledgement of the best and worst of us and the unspoken invitation to choose what we will be part of and where we’ll put our energy. It felt like a reminder that even though there is so much horror in the world, we can always choose to be in community with one another, to find hope, to perpetuate kindness, and to make the world a more beautiful place. It reminded me of Maggie Smith’s poem Good Bones:
Side note, brilliant page. Love the idea of sharing the why behind the poem. I will have to copy you 😁. The best artists steal though, so I look forward to stealing some thoughts and phrases, and some inspiration from your posts!
You made the right choice. This poem gave boice to something I was trying to say just now in a comment on a friend's post. You said it so beautifully, that our peace can be a prayer for someone else who is in need of what we have. Thinking about it like that can soothe the feelings of guilt and hypocricy (although some of those feelings might stem from inaction towards the cause of justice) when we enjoy things we know millions of others lack. So thank you for sharing.
Another one, Elizabeth, that really spoke to me and that I had to share. Thank you for being brave enough to share it even with your reluctance. It is very true.
It's exactly right, Elizabeth, exactly what it needs to be, and exactly what I needed. For me, in fact, its theme parallels a stream I was following in my post today: resilience, community, the gathering of goodness from wherever we can. I'm grateful for the acknowledgment that life can lay us low and for the certainty that it can also lift us up. Thank you so much!
Holding both sides is not easy. I'm thankful that poets like you, Elizabeth, are always trying to find ways to express it. I guess even when there is no "cure" for the hard things, there can always be caring, healing, and love. Nursing has taught me this lesson many times.
I love the line by poet Franz Wright when he says:
"There is only one heart in my body, have mercy on me."
yes the dichotomy of every day life while the world is ending. and how it's always been this way.
Thank you for reading and commenting, Elizabeth Grace.
I think this is wonderful, Elizabeth, and I very much read it in the spirit it was written - not as a shrug but as an acknowledgement of the best and worst of us and the unspoken invitation to choose what we will be part of and where we’ll put our energy. It felt like a reminder that even though there is so much horror in the world, we can always choose to be in community with one another, to find hope, to perpetuate kindness, and to make the world a more beautiful place. It reminded me of Maggie Smith’s poem Good Bones:
“This place could be beautiful,
right? You could make this place beautiful.”
Thank you for sharing.
Thanks so much for your generous response, Jen. Honored to be mentioned in the same sentence with Maggie Smith!
this is extraordinary. Beautifully constructed, and filled with truth and hope
Thanks so much, Claire!
I adore this poem!
I'm so glad, Shelly! Thank you for saying so.
Side note, brilliant page. Love the idea of sharing the why behind the poem. I will have to copy you 😁. The best artists steal though, so I look forward to stealing some thoughts and phrases, and some inspiration from your posts!
Glad to know that the page has inspired you! Borrow all the inspiration you want, just mind how you go with stealing thoughts and phrases....!🙃
Of course! Credit must be given where due.
You made the right choice. This poem gave boice to something I was trying to say just now in a comment on a friend's post. You said it so beautifully, that our peace can be a prayer for someone else who is in need of what we have. Thinking about it like that can soothe the feelings of guilt and hypocricy (although some of those feelings might stem from inaction towards the cause of justice) when we enjoy things we know millions of others lack. So thank you for sharing.
Thank you for reading and responding so thoughtfully, Walyullah.
You're welcome. Good work deserves good feedback and engagement.
‘while someone else sits quiet next to a friend who cannot stop weeping until they can.’ A really special poem 🤍
Thanks so much, Ange.
No shrugging seen here!
Thanks, Kim. 💛🌿
Another one, Elizabeth, that really spoke to me and that I had to share. Thank you for being brave enough to share it even with your reluctance. It is very true.
Thank you, Rose. Grateful that you found truth in the poem and felt moved to share it. 💛🌿
🥹 needed this. Thank you.
💛🌿
Thank you. Thank you.
Thank you for reading, Rebecca. 💛🌿
"It is enough. It is never enough. It is what there is." Yes it is.
💛🌿
It's exactly right, Elizabeth, exactly what it needs to be, and exactly what I needed. For me, in fact, its theme parallels a stream I was following in my post today: resilience, community, the gathering of goodness from wherever we can. I'm grateful for the acknowledgment that life can lay us low and for the certainty that it can also lift us up. Thank you so much!
https://elizabethbeggins.substack.com/p/make-way
Thanks so much, Elizabeth. 💛🌿
Beautiful! 🫶🏼
Thank you, Maya! 💛🌿
Holding both sides is not easy. I'm thankful that poets like you, Elizabeth, are always trying to find ways to express it. I guess even when there is no "cure" for the hard things, there can always be caring, healing, and love. Nursing has taught me this lesson many times.
I love the line by poet Franz Wright when he says:
"There is only one heart in my body, have mercy on me."
Thanks so much, Ann. 💛🌿
It's not a shrug. ❤️
Thank you, Sarah. 💛🌿