Sunday, March 13, 2011

Borrowing another's words


Thinking of the tragedy in Japan, I found myself looking through Theodore Roethke's poems. I knew that there must be some words there for me to reflect upon.

I pray for all who are suffering, frightened, and struggling.



THE ADAMANT by Theodore Roethke

Thought does not crush to stone.
The great sledge drops in vain.
Truth never is undone;
Its shafts remain.

The teeth of knitted gears
Turn slowly through the night,
But the true substance bears
The hammer's weight.

Compression cannot break
A center so congealed;
The tool can chip no flake:
The core lies sealed.

20 comments:

RHYTHM AND RHYME said...

Wonderful poem enjoyed the read.

Yvonne.

Janet said...

superb!

RHYTHM AND RHYME said...

Thanks for the visit and comments,
Also thanks for possibly doing the A to Z it really is fun.

Yvonne.

the wild magnolia said...

This tragedy reaches beyond cultural and physical boundaries. We are all devastated with such great loss of life and a way of life.

I appreciated the poem!

Blessings on this Sunday!

Caroline said...

Wonderful Kelly! This brings a lot of hope today.

Susan Fobes said...

This poem is lovely! My husband has been stuck like glue to the Internet looking at all the video coverage of Japan-I'd rather not see...

Angel Ginger Jasper said...

Lovely poem. I have been watching the awful happenings in Japan and my heart goes out to them. Carol x

Gerri said...

Praying for all those touched by this...

Jenners said...

Isn't the footage and news from Japan so horrifying? I have a blogging buddy who lives in Tokyo and was so relieved when she did a post to let us know she was ok. Very scary stuff. The poem you chose was a good fit.

Charlotte (Life's a Charm!) said...

This poem conveys so much strength. Such strength needed by those facing devastation...

Paul C said...

Yes, at the core lies hope and determination. Meaningful poem.

He & Me + 3 said...

Praying for them. Such a devastating time.

Tabitha Blue said...

So touching. Praying for all the lives affected by this tragedy.

~Tabitha

Donna B. said...

Hi Kelly...I agree. The devastation in Japan affects us all. I wrote about to. I feel so incredibly sad and haunted...

Raj said...

"Truth never is undone;....The core lies sealed." Gradually this Truth reveals itself ! Thanks Kelly

Unknown said...

very fitting poem to describe the aftermath of the tragedy in Japan. The images of the disaster unfolding are devastating, but the Japanese people look so proud and resilient.

Angela said...

It is so sad and devastating what has been going on. I've been praying for all those who have been affected by this as well. The poem certainly rings true in this situation. Glad to be back to read your words again.

Unknown said...

A great poem - but shouldn't it have been a haiku?

Kim said...

Kelly, this poem really makes me think about how we are all connected at the core regardless of race, religion, or distance. It's so easy to turn away at a time like this, feel grateful it's not us this is happening to. But true compassion is felt for all of our fellow humans. You are a trully compassionate person and I know you will pass that onto your children. I hope to do the same, to let my kids know that it's important to keep our eyes open, see what's going on in other places, pray for them and do what we can. Thanks for this beautiful poem, this lovely indication of who you are inside. Believe me, I feel it all the way over here, that compassionate, gentle caring soul we are all so blessed to know! Hugs.

Michelle said...

Definitely a good connection. I can't read the actual stories - just going by headlines and news bits on the radio.