Last night I participated in a “Write Together” workshop with about 15 beautiful souls. The workshop was organized and hosted by Love Notes founder and coordinator, Jennifer Belthoff. I needed the time to write and think in the community of others, so I am grateful for Jennifer and her willingness and openness to offer the workshop during this challenging time.
After participants shared in response to one of the prompts, Jennifer read a poem by British poet David Whyte. I was not familiar with his work and I’ve had little time to process this poem, but it resonates with me.
Everything Is Waiting for You
David Whyte
Your great mistake is to act the drama
as if you were alone. As if life
were a progressive and cunning crime
with no witness to the tiny hidden
transgressions. To feel abandoned is to deny
the intimacy of your surroundings. Surely,
even you, at times, have felt the grand array;
the swelling presence, and the chorus, crowding
out your solo voice. You must note
the way the soap dish enables you,
or the window latch grants you freedom.
Alertness is the hidden discipline of familiarity.
The stairs are your mentor of things
to come, the doors have always been there
to frighten you and invite you,
and the tiny speaker in the phone
is your dream-ladder to divinity.
Put down the weight of your aloneness and ease into the
conversation. The kettle is singing
even as it pours you a drink, the cooking pots
have left their arrogant aloofness and
seen the good in you at last. All the birds
and creatures of the world are unutterably
themselves. Everything is waiting for you.
Even though pretty much the entire world is going through the Corona Virus crisis together, we are disconnected from much of our normal. This might make us feel isolated and alone, particularly as we grapple–in our individual ways–with the toll this pandemic is taking on humanity. I appreciate the invitation to tune in to everything [else] that is waiting.
About the image: The postcard above was sent to me by my swap-bot/book-lover friend Geraldine J (Nannydino). It is the work of Australian artist, Loui Jover. Needless to say, I love this piece, and am looking forward to learning more about the artist.
Pics and Posts 
God has put everything here on earth for a reason. It all fits together. It is all waiting for us to notice it, and know we are all connected by everything around us, even the air that we breathe. That connectedness is why something like the corona virus can spread around the world. Prayer can spread around the world too. Prayer is how we can beat this virus. Not just prayers for ourselves, but for the world. Read Psalm 91 and pray what it says.
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Psalm 91 has always been one of my favorite psalms. I love the part about the angels holding me up so I won’t even hit my foot on a stone. For these times, 2 Chronicles 7:14 is also appropriate.
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Loui Jover’s art speaks to me. Thanks for sharing.
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Yes, he is amazing. His work is so moving. He posted four more works earlier today and each one spoke to me.
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I love the poem AND the image. The line of the poem that really hits home for me is, “Put down the weight of your aloneness and ease into the conversation.” I’m going to have to marinate in that one for a time.
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Yes! That is the line that speaks most to me as well. Just before reading your comment, I sent that line to a friend.
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This is a beautiful poem. May we begin to pay more attention to everything else we have left hanging for a while now.
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I think so too. I’m going to be participating in a workshop led by the author. I’m so excited!
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What was the workshop? And where? Also love Psalm 91. Hope you are well. xo
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Hey! I haven’t seen you in a while. The workshop ended today–“The Courage in Poetry.” He starts another one in the middle of May. I’ll share the link Thursday. All is well. How are you?
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Hi Chandra! :-)) It HAS been a while, soooo much has happened. I’m sure for you as well! The workshop sounds amazing, and though I don’t consider myself a poet alone. I do dabble and love it. So I will definitely look for the link!
Other than that, I am at a real crossroads in alot of ways. Too much to type here — but I will do a video in coming days (and post to speak on that). Hope you watch!
How have YOU been?
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I’ve been busy, but well. Trying to wrap up this semester so I can get on with my own work–writing and publishing. Looking forward to your video. You might have to remind me because I often get really behind in blog-reading. Hugs!
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I understand Chandra (Re: busy as well). Boy do I. You really get like that — like — is it over yet?? I need to work! Lol.
Me too…
I’ll remind you for sure. Hugs!
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