The Way It is

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

Thank you to Philip Thatcher whose voice I hear when I read these words. These words that carry me through blurry thoughts and the story of the knight whose call to wake up and take one step that is truly your own, has both haunted and healed me.