William Stafford (poet) - The Way It Is

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I heard a bird congratulating itself all day for being a jay. Nobody cared. But it was glad all over again, and said so, again.

William Stafford
Once we have tasted far streams, touched the gold, found some limit beyond the waterfall, a season changes and we come back changed but safe, quiet, grateful.

William Stafford
An owl sound wandered along the road with me. I didn't hear it—I breathed it into my ears.

William Stafford
The Way It Is There's a thread you follow. It goes among things that change. But it doesn't change. People wonder about what you are pursuing. You have to explain about the thread. But it is hard for others to see. While you hold it you can't get lost. Tragedies happen; people get hurt or die; and you suffer and get old. Nothing you do can stop time's unfolding. You don't ever let go of the thread.

William Stafford
Let the bucket of memory down into the well, bring it up. Cool, cool minutes. No one stirring, no plans. Just being there.

William Stafford
Will you ever bring a better gift for the world
than the breathing respect that you carry
wherever you go right now?

William Stafford
'Be alive,' the land says, 'listen - this is your time, your world, your pleasure.'

William Stafford
It's love,' they say. You touch the right one and a whole half of the universe wakes up, a new half.

William Stafford