I am reading William Stafford’s book, YOU MUST REVISE YOUR LIFE and will have much to report on when I am through. But for now I wanted to share this poem of his that speaks to me while I look for the hand of own muse.
When I Met My Muse
I glanced at her and took my glasses
off–they were still singing. They buzzed
like a locust on the coffee table and then
ceased. Her voice belled forth, and the
sunlight bent. I felt the ceiling arch, and
knew that nails up there took a new grip
on whatever they touched. "I am your own
way of looking at things," she said. "When
you allow me to live with you, every
glance at the world around you will be
a sort of salvation." And I took her hand.
William Stafford
Irene Latham has the Poetry Friday Round-up today. Why not head over and see what other lovely poems are just waiting to be discovered?
Lovely. I’m a William Stafford fan and can’t wait to see what you post more of. Also I loved your recent reading list. Mmmmmm. I’ve got a few of those on my shelf and want to Read Along with Susan.
Jeannine I would love to read along with you on a book and discuss as we go. Do let me know if you’d like to do this.
My muse has been missing as of late. What a lovely poem! thank you for sharing! xo
Thanks for reading! Loved chatting today.
A sweet friend gave me a wonderful book about Stafford written by one of his children — called EARLY MORNINGS, which is when Stafford did his writing. I dogeared a bunch of pages. I look forward to your take on You Must Revise Your Life!
Oh, I have EARLY MORNINGS on my list to read too! (Glad I’m not the only one who dogears pages)
I’m having to slow myself down as I read YOU MUST REVISE YOUR LIFE because I so often read as a race but his words need to be savored.
from Laura @AUthorAMok
“I am your own way of looking at things.” What a hopeful line.
Re: from Laura @AUthorAMok
Isn’t it just great?
Love that poem! I posted it awhile ago but have forgotten to reread and once again appreciate its inspiring message. It’s startling in its beauty, isn’t it?
Stafford is one of my favorites. Thanks.
Yes, startling in its beauty and simplicity. I read his poems and I think wow, it feels like anyone should have been able to write that and yet we don’t, we maybe can’t.
Isn’t it just great? I think I will have to read the book and then read it again with pen in hand to record my thoughts. I can’t seem to do that as well the first time through.
Love that poem! Love William Stafford! Love any day that starts out with my glasses buzzing like locusts! (unfortunately, that has never happened, but I’ve had lots of days to love even without that!!!)
Love Mary Lee! Love Wm Stafford! Love Susan’s posts!
Tabatha
Yeah I’m not so sure if glasses buzzing like locusts would be a good thing but it sure creates an image!
I love Stafford’s poem. What a wonderful selection for Poetry Friday!
I know I have a copy of that book somewhere in my house. I think I’ll go look for it today.
Elaine Magliaro
Stafford
Stafford is popping up a lot this Poetry Friday. This is another poem that’s new to me and it’s brilliant (like so many of his poems). Thank you for sharing it.