I have heard, in that fierce embrace, even the gods speak of God

~ Live & Learn

passion-light-flame.jpg

It doesn’t interest me if there is one God
or many gods.
I want to know if you belong or feel
abandoned.
If you know despair or can see it in others.
I want to know
if you are prepared to live in the world
with its harsh need
to change you. If you can look back
with firm eyes
saying this is where I stand. I want to know
if you know
how to melt into that fierce heat of living
falling toward
the center of your longing. I want to know
if you are willing
to live, day by day, with the consequence of love
and the bitter
unwanted passion of your sure defeat.

I have heard, in that fierce embrace, even
the gods speak of God.

— David Whyte, “Self Portrait” from Fire in the Earth

Source: Poem – Whiskey River. Photo: Precious Things

19 thoughts on “I have heard, in that fierce embrace, even the gods speak of God”

  5. David Whyte’s piece captures a pause from me…

    “to live, day by day, with the consequence of love
    and the bitter
    unwanted passion of your sure defeat.”

    Makes me think of Carole King who I’ve quoted in the past…she is brilliant in mind and in her shinning presence.

    …”Way over yonder, that’s where I’m bound
    I know when I get there, the first thing I’ll see
    Is the sun shining golden, shining right down on me
    Then trouble’s gonna lose me, worry leave me behind
    And I’ll stand up proudly in true peace of mind”…

    We go forward in life, we endure pain, we struggle, we fall, we learn, we embrace the tender, we love deeply and We Gain…and peace and light, reign.

    May you all be kind to yourselves this week, have a gentle touch toward others and may each of your breaths be an easy draw in and exhale out…
    In grace and gratitude …Kindly, Christie

    Way Over Yonder by Carole King

    WAY OVER YONDER
    Carole King
    Lyrics:

    Way over yonder is a place that I know
    Where I can find shelter from hunger and cold
    And the sweet tasting good life is so easily found
    Way over yonder, that’s where I’m bound

    I know when I get there, the first thing I’ll see
    Is the sun shining golden, shining right down on me
    Then trouble’s gonna lose me, worry leave me behind
    And I’ll stand up proudly in true peace of mind
    talking ’bout, talking ’bout

    Way over yonder is a place I have seen
    It’s a garden of wisdom from some long ago dream

    Maybe tomorrow I’ll find my way
    To the land where the honey runs in rivers each day
    And the sweet tasting good life is so easily found
    Way over yonder, that’s where I’m bound
    Way over yonder, that’s where I’m bound

    � 1971 ColGems-EMI Music, Inc. (ASCAP)

    Lyrics courtesy of EMI Music Publishing.
    For printed lyrics or sheet music, please visit http://www.halleonard.com or http://www.sheetmusicdirect.com.

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      1. and I am just listening to this, again, now…carries one along, in melody. My dear Grandmother always would say that my sisters (the four of us and our cousin Melody) should be a singing group “Four “Jxxxx” and a Melody. Now smiling outwardly and inwardly…

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