Growing old
I love the quiet that used to disturb me.
I have distance on my life.
The boast and pity of self-regard
have fallen somewhat behind.
Heading home,
the home I carry with me,
I settle into the clouds.
On the mountain
I sit quietly in a sage meadow
visited by the same bees that make lovers
of flowering bushes.
I become part of the golden comb hidden
in the hive humming with delight.”
~ Stephen Levine
- Credits: Image – Heidi Rakels by Stephan Vanfleteren. Poem Source – A Poet Reflects from “An Echo Of Wang Wei’s Reply To Vice Magistrate Chang,” from Inquiring Mind (Fall 2010)
- Related Posts: My Mind. No. The Mind including bio for Stephen Levine
This is so beautiful, and reminds me very much of my mother’s state of mind. She is 98 and has lived with me since she was 90. Slowly, I have watched her change into a calmer, more content person.
I love the quiet that used to disturb me.
I have distance on my life.
The boast and pity of self-regard
have fallen somewhat behind.
This describes her very accurately now. She used to be a somewhat argumentative type and very extroverted, always wanting company and conversation. Now, she seems most happy in the quiet moments. She doesn’t choose to argue or judge anymore. She seems to be at peace even though her world is so much smaller than it once was.
Thanks for sharing such a wonderful reflection on your Mother. I see a bit of her place seeping into me (and I like it). Have a good week.
It has been an interesting journey with her.
I bet.
The same stanza spoke to me. “I have distance on my life” feels especially wondrous.
Sandy, I think I mentioned the same earlier. That line has a hold on me too.
Touches me deeply, as I (and many others) look where I have been – with the perspective that time affords – and yes, the distance. Safe travels..
Me too Mimi. Me too.
Oh, wow, that is beautiful David…thanks for sharing those words on this Sunday morning.
I thought so too Carol. Thank you.
This is beautiful…I just keep going back to the line, “I have distance on my life”…such an eloquent way to capture our experiences, our learning, disappointments and all that life serves up. This will stay with me…
Yes Bonnie. If you look up and down the comments, many of us latched onto the same line. 6 words, enormous punch.
Reblogged this on Radiating Blossom ~ Flowers & Words and commented:
Beautiful words at David Kanigan’s site today.
Thanks for sharing Carol
An amazing piece of writing – truly lovely and evocative. Peace . . .
It is…I agree. Thank you.
This is stunning. A beautiful way to looking at growing older. I am not quite there yet, but maybe someday. I must say I aspire to feel this way.
It is…thank you. I am not there either. Working it.
Reblogged this on The Hawk's Tail and commented:
I thought that this poem, found and shared by the owner of Lead.Learn.Live was simply, majestically, beautiful. This is why I attempt to write poetry – to one day, maybe one moment, to write something like this . . . Just once. I’m still working at it 😉 Peace . . .
Thank you for sharing….I too am still working at it.
Wonderful.
It is…
My mind couldn’t go further this line “I love the quiet that used to disturb me…” even though I read the poem twice. I have always enjoyed the company of my elders and I love to ask about their youthful days and the life they have lived that’s why this one touched me.
That line was the punch line for me too Sonia.
Wonderful
It is…
How true and how beautiful – thanks for this post, David! – J.
Thanks Jeff. I felt the same way.