One of the members of my writing group sent us this poem to use as a prompt for our meeting next week. I haven't written anything yet, but I've been thinking about it. Maybe you'd like to think about it, too.
The Uses of Sorrow
by Mary Oliver
(In my sleep I dreamed this poem)
Someone I loved once gave me
a box full of darkness.
It took me years to understand
that this, too, was a gift.
Here's today's roundup.
4 hours ago
7 comments:
This is one of those fabulous Oliver poems that you just find yourself sinking into.
Yes, much to think about. It reminds me of Barbara Brown Taylor's book Learning to Walk in the Dark, which explores the gifts that dark can offer.
I am in a different place because it's been a few years since my husband died, but there are other writers writing in the Slice of Life challenge that are recent widows. I'll think about sharing this with them. This is new to me, and it will take some pondering for me. I'm not sure what I would write, and hope you share some time, Ruth. Thank you!
Ah yes, what Tara said: "a poem you find yourself sinking into." Lines that juxtapose the real and intangible always snag my interest. I'd love to read what you come up with.
Um, wow. Ruth, this is a wonderful prompt. I have been working through some emotions lately. I think this really describes the gift of challenge. Yesterday, my sister sent me this incredible TED Talk. This prompt reminds me of this.
https://www.ted.com/talks/brene_brown_on_vulnerability
I thought of using the TED Talk as a prompt too. I'm intrigued by all that she had to say. Thanks for the gift of this post!
You often bring us compassion+fearlessness, Ruth, as with this short post. Thank you for both!
A deep, profound poem, to be pondered on some more, thanks for sharing it.
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