It Is Not So Much
Its not so much that I do not do the good
that I want to do as it is I sometimes do not
do simply because I am unsure what to do.
Some would label this passivity, the same
some who hold assertiveness as a virtue
although for the life of me I cannot find
that in any sacred text save the american bible.
This same some (apparently) forge through life
with a plan, a map they chart by bolder stars.
I on the other hand wake to mild confusion most
days not about the tiny aspects of self-respect
such as brushing my teeth and paying my bills
but more the big things like my destiny, etc.
Oh this mobile home of flesh that is me!
Who or what will rescue me from, well, me?
Thanks be to God that best I can tell my calling is to life, the specifics of which have a tendency (so far) to work themselves out. So I press on
honestly trying to do the next thing in love. And while that does sound poetic it at the same time I must confess sounds awfully flimsy when presenting myself to those who swear to have the world on a string, this life by the tail.
Thanks be to God that best I can tell my calling is to life, the specifics of which have a tendency (so far) to work themselves out. So I press on
honestly trying to do the next thing in love. And while that does sound poetic it at the same time I must confess sounds awfully flimsy when presenting myself to those who swear to have the world on a string, this life by the tail.
Good to hear you,a word to the wise,if I may;
Dont drink a Fifth on the fourth,or you might not come forth on the fifth
Thanks, Mike. I’ll abide by your advice.
As an introverted, slow-processing observer, I can relate to this. Never have I had the world on a string, while some around me seem to know just where they are headed. You often put to words the deep things that haven’t yet come forth from my heart. Thank you.
Hi, Jennifer. Thanks so much for your comment.
Seconded (though not always introverted). I never could figure out what I was missing in the face of such certainty.
I love reading your poetry, I don’t comment much, but I read each poem, sometimes I weep, today my heart did a little jig when I read:
“Thanks be to God that best I can tell my calling
is to life, the specifics of which have a tendency
(so far) to work themselves out. So I press on
honestly trying to do the next thing in love.”
A little jig? I love that, thanks for telling me.
John, Thank you so much for your poetry. I’m not sure what roundabout path brought me to your door, but I’m glad it did. I also have to tell you that for the longest time my eyes/head read thebeautifuldude. I thought well, that’s a lot of confidence. After enjoying your poetry, you seem indeed to be a beautiful dude! Peace, Lisa
Lisa, probably a crooked little path, like most things. I’m glad too that you found your way here. Beautiful dude? That made my day, thanks!
John, I so enjoy your paraphrases (at least it seemed like that to me). They inspire!
Thanks, Jody. Yes, traces of paraphrase in this one.
Thank you. This is just perfect.
You are welcome, J.L.
“So I press on / honestly trying to do the next thing in love.”
That sums up so much of my life these days. Thanks for putting this into words,
Yes, Beth, me too.
This is so good, John. Do you mind if I repost this on my blog if I give credit and add a link to your site? I want more of my friends to enjoy your writing.
Sure, Nathan (right?). Thank you very much.
A stay at home mom, who, with hands deep in dish suds wonders…”what can I do?” And, “You gave me all these gifts…yet, here I stand making decisions like Dawn or Palmolive.” “Please send me a sign, a whack with a 2×4, a flaming arrow, a blinking, fluorescent, neon doozy .” I beg Him. But, what you wrote made me ask, what if THIS is what HE wants me to be doing right now?. What if He created me to “do the next thing in love”…and the next and the next….
[…] He is a wonderful, earthy poet in the spirit of Wendell Berry. He helps me to hear and to see and It Is Not So Much has been riding shotgun with me for awhile […]