Sometimes on Mondays . . . we need reminding.
Especially after a really horrible news-weekend (following, of course, months of horrible news-days) we need . . .
a reminder of our humanness;
a reminder to stay soft in this world of hardness;
a reminder to breathe, and to allow ourselves rest.
Earlier this year – back in February sometime – I came across this poem by James Crews and I copied it down in my journal. Every once in a while, whenever I need a reminder-boost, I go back and re-read it.
I thought it might be a good one to share here today. On a Monday. To get us started on this new week.
Stay Open
by James CrewsWatching the news, I start to believe
the world wants me closed tight
as a fist, only able to batter and
pound and destroy. But some wiser
voice inside tells me to be more
crocus, more tulip, more peony —
staying open to days of sun and rain,
and even the shock of pelting sleet,
which must eventually melt into
the ground, touching each tender root
with no small amount of surprise —
that something once so hard, so cold,
could soften enough to nourish and flow.
Stay open, my friends.
In this hard world, remember our softness.
Remember our humanness.
Great advice in order to preserve our mental health. Do not become the enemy. Happy Monday, Kym!
Beautiful poem! Love this:
that something once so hard, so cold,
could soften enough to nourish and flow.
Now I’ll be saving this poem (and sharing it, with some discouraged and nurturing people). Thank you.
This is so great! We should all take advice from nature and its resilience.
so lovely, Kym, and a well-timed reminder. Thank you!
It has certainly been an especially difficult time in our world. I like the idea of being like the flowers, staying open to the light but also closing up and pulling in when things feel extra cold and dark. I think the balance of the two things is the key to navigating, particularly right now.
I love your three reminders at the top of this post. It’s been a bleak weekend – well one of many this year. The poem is lovely. James Crews is a master poet and kind of a therapist.
Poetry… the balm for life. Thank you for sharing this poem, Kym. I so appreciate dear James reminders! (and while I did not read this on Monday… it was exactly what I needed this Tuesday morning… a reminder to stay open.. thank you so so much!)