Interesting association of ideas apparently unrelated, the gym and the words of the poem… yet for some reason I resonate with your perspective. When you start on that path it feels like an awakening, a spirit aroused by a multitude of new possibilities... all the energy, fresh, receptive to what life has to offer in ways you were not receptive before, an awareness that the ancient greeks must have had
This is my absolute favorite Roethke poem. My 1975 Doubleday paperback edition of the Collected Poems has a spine broken in several places and is held together by rubber bands. It is always on my bookshelf, glowing from within. This little poem has seen me through some very dark times. Thank you for sharing it.
"The bones of weeds kept swinging in the wind..." Winter is always beginning here, at least until the day the sun warms the air into early evening. Then it is beginning spring.
The only full season we get in sunny CA is summer. So I find this description beautifully reminiscent of my childhood excitement as I anticipated the first snow of winter in Minnesota.
I’ve lived in Minnesota my entire life. You’ve expressed the sacred nature of this beautiful land. This poem embodies it for me. It was written on my heart when I needed it most. I carry it everywhere. And my “lively understandable spirit” has always come again.
The rain is falling here, and the temperatures are relatively mild, but the winter will appear eventually. Winter, like a luminous grim reaper it will walk out of the plume of fog to collect and store all that has died away. And I look forward to that season of sleep.
Was it light? / Was it light within? / Was it light within light?” It's a moment of revelation—the moment you and the universe become one - but only for a moment.What a way to say it!
“Was it light?
Was it light within?
Was it light within light?”
This series of questions was profoundly moving. I love the idea of the pause and time slowing down enough to ask questions, to be with the light.
I feel since I've been going to gym for first time in 40s ever things have awakened...like winter pause A "lively understandable spirit
Once entertained you.
It will come again.
Be still.
Wait."
Interesting association of ideas apparently unrelated, the gym and the words of the poem… yet for some reason I resonate with your perspective. When you start on that path it feels like an awakening, a spirit aroused by a multitude of new possibilities... all the energy, fresh, receptive to what life has to offer in ways you were not receptive before, an awareness that the ancient greeks must have had
I try to read the poem and see what images come to mind and that's why hit me thanks
This is my absolute favorite Roethke poem. My 1975 Doubleday paperback edition of the Collected Poems has a spine broken in several places and is held together by rubber bands. It is always on my bookshelf, glowing from within. This little poem has seen me through some very dark times. Thank you for sharing it.
What a lovely Sunday morning read! Thanks so much
Oooh! What came to mind for me was “ all the light we cannot see”!
"Those who are willing to be vulnerable move among mysteries."
- Roethke
We get beginning winter where I live.
Wait.
In one glorious day it became full winter very quickly.
Thanks for sharing this beautiful piece.
"The bones of weeds kept swinging in the wind..." Winter is always beginning here, at least until the day the sun warms the air into early evening. Then it is beginning spring.
The only full season we get in sunny CA is summer. So I find this description beautifully reminiscent of my childhood excitement as I anticipated the first snow of winter in Minnesota.
I also felt like I have lived this poem, as a child in rural northwestern Minnesota. Some of the deepest images which remain after 60 years.
Seems like a whole other world doesn't it? For as much that has changed, some things remain exactly as they were. Like winter's cold.
Lyn,
I’ve lived in Minnesota my entire life. You’ve expressed the sacred nature of this beautiful land. This poem embodies it for me. It was written on my heart when I needed it most. I carry it everywhere. And my “lively understandable spirit” has always come again.
And Linda. This poem feels like all I need of prayer.
"Minnesota" sounds, as the ice skates glide upon the frozen pond.
The cross country skiers full exhale from her woolen face mask.
The crisp howl of wind breathing through broken branches.
I'm so lucky to have found this winters respite ...
in Phoenix, Arizona.
I sigh a deep breathe of relief
The rain is falling here, and the temperatures are relatively mild, but the winter will appear eventually. Winter, like a luminous grim reaper it will walk out of the plume of fog to collect and store all that has died away. And I look forward to that season of sleep.
A lovely, meditative poem
One has to succumb to the eventuality of winter.
Oh! Nice one. I could read that all day.
Thank you for this beautiful poem...his ability to paint with language is astounding!
A lot to be said about silence
Lovely.
Dian, I want to lure you over to my substack to be a reader. I posted this poem today.https://westonpparker.substack.com/p/the-home
and another essay about building which may not be your cup of tea.
Huge Roethke fan.
Was it light? / Was it light within? / Was it light within light?” It's a moment of revelation—the moment you and the universe become one - but only for a moment.What a way to say it!
Ahhhhh❤️
a very evocative poem, best kind.