I’ve long been a fan of William Stafford’s poetry, so it was a delight to come across one that was new to me in an email from a friend.
Next Time
Next time what I’d do is look at
the earth before saying anything. I’d stop
just before going into a house
and be an emperor for a minute
and listen better to the wind
or to the air being still.When anyone talked to me, whether
blame or praise or just passing time,
I’d watch the face, how the mouth
has to work, and see any strain, any
sign of what lifted the voice.And for all, I’d know more — the earth
bracing itself and soaring, the air
finding every leaf and feather over
forest and water, and for every person
the body glowing inside the clothes
like a light.
the words usher
me into
this next time
air expands
drops
rises
warms
opens
the space between around beyond
all moments
portals
of presence
right where
the hands of time
clutch
push
threaten
right there
the world breathes
with unhurried stillness
and calls your name
someone once said
“you have plenty of time
if you don’t hurry.”
plenty
of
time
stop counting
plumb
moments
proceed
from, into, with
not towards, past, by
this time
not next time
stand
lean
into
the deep arms
of here
and feel
everything
you seek
rise up to greet you
only this time
you see it
know it
feel it
no difference
between
being,seeing,giving
one
“I have a world of wisdom and Love to contemplate, that concerns me, and you, infinitely beyond all earthly expositions or exhibitions. I earnestly invite you to its contemplation with me, and to preparation to behold it.” Mary Baker Eddy Miscellaneous Writings
“In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.” I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.” 2 Corinthians 6:2
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