Trying
“The people I love best are the ones who try” – Nancy Pagh, Trying
Perhaps this is my folly: to never try
enough. To let love happen to me as the wind
happens to fall leaves, floating until I am
brought indelibly to the damp soil,
waiting to disintegrate and get consumed
by worms. And yes, knowing now that trying
is a risk, I often cower in place, deep in the
safety of a well protected branch, grateful
to stay hidden in the safety of a storm.
Though, winter as it is, and pain, I wonder
if you’ll see me, finally, inevitably try,
risking disintegration. Letting go.
Wondering at what my father taught me,
has yet to teach, even if the world does
not love us, even love is, after all, just dust.
yes yes yes 🙂
I’m feeling like your poems are so much more mature than mine this year. I’m taking less risks and feeling more cranky.
Thank you Nancy! I was feeling rather cranky all marathon too — though I think I somehow managed to channel it. I read your poem half a dozen times this go around — and feel grateful that I managed to finally write a poem after it. Your poems affected so many of mine this year.
With my full Chest, I am very Thankful and honoured. Thank you Jacob and Ceitlin for this great opportunity… The poetry marathon.
I enjoyed this thinking on trying. I felt connected to the idea of needing to try for those you care about. It’s something that I have been just starting to think about in my own friendships.