poem: ream of paper
I’ve been having trouble sleeping so I go through all my tricks as I lie there tired and awake.
Here is a poem to start your March. Sending this with the hope that you have enough. And that the joys of living and being fascinated feed you.
I’ve been having trouble sleeping so I go through all my tricks as I lie there tired and awake. Yesterday in the dark I was listing things about the day, sometimes I’ll wander over in moralistic territory of good and bad things but last night mercifully I was listing things I noticed:
-the long grays of the water, the clouds, the mountain, desolate and soothing
-the two year-olds excellent syntax, tone, and ability to hurl words with precision despite knowing the actual word
-the pleasure of eating an orange by myself, peeling, separating, and sitting with the brightness in february
-how hold music sneaks into my thoughts these days because I spend so much time waiting for someone to answer the phone
This poem has that kind of feel to me. It is about common experience and noticing. It is about what is and not something else. I am fascinated by the vast expanse opened up within that kind of attention…and sometimes it even lets me sleep.
Ream of Paper
by Jane Hirshfield
I have a ream of paper,
a cartridge of ink,
almonds,
coffee,
a wool scarf for warmth.
Whatever handcuffs the soul,
I have brought here.
Whatever distances the heart,
I have brought here.
A deer rises onto her haunches
to reach for an apple,
though many fallen apples are on the ground.
Excerpted from Ledger by Jane Hirshfield.
Copyright © 2020 by Jane Hirshfield.
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-I am thrilled to be teaching a prenatal yoga series starting mid-March for those of you who are pregnant and can make it to Bainbridge Yoga House. We’ll be exploring the liminal together!
-Sit together and explore, come to a short talk and meditation we’ll do together. Being and Breathing happens March 9, 5-6 pm PST, It is really wonderful to practice together and I look forward to seeing some of you there.