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Poems to Ponder

September 4, 2014 By Jean Wise

healthyspirituality.org

So? – A Poem to Ponder

 

So you aren’t Tolstoy or St. Francis

Or even a well-known singer

Of popular songs and will never read Greek

or speak French fluently,

Will never see something no one else

Has seen before through a lens

Or with the naked eye.

 

You’ve been given just the one life

in this world that matters

And upon which every other life

Somehow depends as long as you live,

and also given the costly gifts of hunger,

Choice, and pain with which to raise

A modest shrine to meaning.

 

Leonard Nathan

 

And as another poet, Mary Oliver wrote:

 

“Tell me, what is it you plan to do

with your one wild and precious life?”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Filed Under: quotes, spiritual lessons

Comments

  1. Nancy Ruegg says

    September 5, 2014 at 2:06 pm

    My one WILD life?! M-m-m-m. That’s not an adjective I would choose to describe my existence. Perhaps the synonym, adventurous, would fit better. God has certainly given me adventure, as the mother of three, wife of a pastor, and teacher for many years. Granted, it didn’t involve jungles, high seas, or sunken treasure. But I’ve enjoyed numerous locales, moments of high joy, and the treasure of glorious relationships. God has been SO generous in my life!

    • blankJean Wise says

      September 11, 2014 at 5:41 pm

      Nancy, isn’t that a great quote? I do like your word adventurous too. love your attitude about life. You inspired me.

  2. blankCeil says

    September 5, 2014 at 11:01 am

    Hi Jeanie! What a challenging second statement! Not that the first poem doesn’t give me pause too.
    It is true that our small lives are the steadying foundations to others…my children, my husband. Kind of overwhelming to think of it that way. And you do so much writing and speaking, I’m sure that really speaks loudly to you.
    I know that lives are unique and have a plan set by the Creator. The real adventure is watching it unfold, and having the courage to follow my heart.
    Have a wonderful weekend ( and don’t forget to follow your heart!),
    Ceil

    • blankJean Wise says

      September 11, 2014 at 5:40 pm

      Mary Oliver’s quote always stops me and makes me think and really value my life. love that quote. I had a wonderful weekend with my daughter seeing the plays at Stratford and just now catching up on blog comments. so late and behind….

      now it is my turn to wish you a wonderful weekend coming up too.

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