Showing posts with label Theodore Roethke. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Theodore Roethke. Show all posts

Sunday, January 3, 2010

Sunday Citar

"La Carmencita" - John Singer Sargent

The new year can be a true awakening for the body, mind, and spirit. I chose one of my favorite Theodore Roethke's poems for today's Sunday Citar with Fresh Mommy. To me, Roethke celebrates this human decision to participate in our own "waking" of self. I love the energy and liberty suggested by Sargent's painting. Let's dance into the new year and "take the lively air" (as Roethke's so beautifully asks). Happy Sunday everyone!



"The Waking"
by Theodore Roethke

I wake to sleep, and take my waking slow.
I feel my fate in what I cannot fear.
I learn by going where I have to go.

We think by feeling. What is there to know?
I hear my being dance from ear to ear.
I wake to sleep, and take my waking slow.

Of those so close beside me, which are you?
God bless the Ground! I shall walk softly there,
And learn by going where I have to go.

Light takes the Tree; but who can tell us how?
The lowly worm climbs up a winding stair;
I wake to sleep, and take my waking slow.

Great Nature has another thing to do
To you and me, so take the lively air,
And, lovely, learn by going where to go.

This shaking keeps me steady. I should know.
What falls away is always. And is near.
I wake to sleep, and take my waking slow.
I learn by going where I have to go.