While in search for hope in a world of lies ‘of sham, treachery and deceitfulness’ ..I turn to poetry.
Poetry gives words to the language of the soul.. it understands how I feel and tells me exactly what to do about it. Poetry elevates my spirit beyond what is described as the ‘fell clutch of circumstance’, the grasp of negativity and destruction…in my case, grasp of the hopelessness that has hardened my heart to the point of making me cynical even about love.
It is in poetry that I find answers..
In a ‘Psalm for Life’ written by the 19th century American poet, William Wordsworth Longfellow…. my perception actually shifts.. He starts outright setting things straight.
‘Life is not an empty dream’, ‘things are not what they seem’, ‘the grave is not the goal; nor are, enjoyment or sorrow the destined end of life’..
He clearly tells me what would be expected of me: ‘Act’ he says…’so that each tomorrow finds us farther than today’.
In one line, he brushes away my depression, deep-seated in the past; and my anguish, set in the frightening future…
About the past he says ‘bury life’s dead in the past’ and about what is to come, he says ‘ trust no future;’
Just…act today…act in the living present. That is where we allign our inner heart with God above, however we might perceive him to be.
Wordsworth describes life as ‘ the world’s broad field of battle’ where we should strive to ‘be heroes in the strife’.
And he edges me on…’Take heart ‘he says.. we are each responsible of making our lives sublime.
He urges me to face my destiny, saying,
‘Let us then, be up and doin, with heart for our fate; still achieving, still pursuing’…
and ends by telling me never to give up, - ‘learn to labor and learn to wait’.
Another poet, British Nobel Prize winner for Literature, Rudyard Kipling, spells out exactly how to react when, in controversy.
In his memorable poem ‘If’ he tells us:
‘Keep your head though others lose theirs…
Trust yourself but make allowance for doubt;
Don’t deal in lies;
Don’t give way to hate;
Don’t strive to look good or talk wise and never lose your common touch.
Dream, but don’t make dreams your master.
Think, but don’t make thoughts your aim.
Bear the pain of being lied about…and
When broken down.. stoop and try again and silently, restart at your beginning.
Serve your turn, filling every 60 seconds with a full distance run..
And always “hold on”.. even when you feel there is nothing left in you, to go on’.
In the noisy confusion of this world, Max Ehrmann’s DESIDERATA urges me to:
‘find and keep my peace, striving to be happy, by being cheerful’.
‘Despite our broken dreams life is still beautiful…’ he guarantees.
And he clearly tells us how:
‘Go placidly amid the noise and the haste’;
‘Be silent’;
‘Be on good terms with everyone;
Speak your truth quietly and clearly…
But listen to others and be cautious..
Avoid loud and aggressive people and don’t compare yourself or pretend false affection.
Enjoy your achievements and keep interest in your daily chores;
Taking counsel from the years lived, and surrendering youth’s distress and dark imaginings.’
And he ends be reminding us
We are all, ‘children of the universe and we have a right to be here…
So, it is I share the wisdom wrought from my favorite poets, begging their forgiveness for paraphrasing their poetry,
and hoping it gives you all, the solace I find in poetry, and the heart to make peace with yourselves, with others, and with God.