We received a Christmas card from our dear friend Jann last week with a poem on it that stirred my soul and just made me want to cloak myself in the words. On Christmas. On into the New Year. So I’m going to share them here with you . . . I know she, too, would want me to.
God speaks to each of us as he makes us;
then walks with us silently out of the night.
These are the words we dimly hear:You, sent out beyond your recall,
go to the limits of your longing.Embody me.
Flare up like flame
and make big shadows I can move in.Let everything happen to you:
beauty and terror.
Just keep going,
no feeling is final.
Don’t let yourself lose me.Nearby is the country they call life.
You will know it by its seriousness.Give me your hand.
~ Ranier Maria Rilke, from The Book of Monastic Life
I love that this poem isn’t about bells and holly and being jolly; it’s about life. Real life. The one that’s terrifying and wondrous, revolting and delicious. And I love that we’re dispatched on an adventure to explore its outer limits—understanding that no momentary feeling or emotion is wrong or bad, they’re just part of the journey—trusting that we’re not alone.
So here’s my Christmas wish to all of you: May you live your life casting big shadows this year, next year and beyond.
Cheers,
Lia
7 Comments
A beautiful poem indeed, and the loveliest of wishes.
Merry Christmas Lia. May all your dreams be bright.
very beautiful. happy holidays Lia.
…go to the limits of your longing…
What an amazing world it would be if we all could truly achieve this, since I’m constantly amazed now even though I know too few of us reach the limits of our longing. Thank you for sharing this thought-provoking poem with us. As you wished us all to cast big shadows, I hope that more of us will truly live our dreams.
For reasons I couldn’t possibly go into, I really appreciated this poem. Happy Christmas Lia and may 2008 be amazing for you!
Beautiful words, Lia! I love Rilke. Hope you had a wonderful holiday.
Hey Lia, me again, just stopping by to tell you that I’ve moved over to wordpress:
http://florescence.wordpress.com
Happy 2008
Thank you all . . . best wishes to you throughout the new year!
Laurie . . . What a wonderful wish to add.
Jo . . . I’ll update your link–and can’t wait to see the new site!