Thursday, September 10, 2020

Poetry Friday: Learning to Adjust

by William Stafford, from his book Even in Quiet Places, which apparently is out of print and costs a fortune, but you're welcome to borrow my copy if you come over and I'll even make you a cup of tea which we can drink in a socially distanced fashion. 


Keisha has today's roundup.

12 comments:

  1. Thanks for sharing this one (new to me). Thinking of you as you navigate this strange new school year.

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  2. It's a William Stafford day! This is the second poem by him on my feed and I'd never heard of him before.

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  3. I have more than one Stafford book, but not this one, Ruth. I love the poem, so perfect for all of us. I suspect you know that! Thank you!

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  4. I love this poem--and I would love to come visit and share a cup of tea. Maybe one day we can travel again.

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  5. I would love a cup of tea and a cozy chat. I'll be right over as soon as I can travel. What a lovely thought.

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  6. I love the attitude of joyful acceptance in this. Something I could learn to be/do more often!

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  7. Yep, adjusting might be just our cup of tea, I like the tea leaves her offers in his poem–helps us to breathe just a bit slower and deeper. And your cup of tea sounds lovely, thanks Ruth!

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  8. Yes, but who IS Terza McDonald? And Look--he doesn't tell us what is in the wrong package. We have to do the work of imagining even that to which we might adjust. Oh, poetry is a heavy burden and a ribbon-tangled surprise...

    Wishing you well, Ruth...

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  9. Wouldn't it be lovely to all gather for tea and share some favorite poems? That sounds like a dream from long ago! Thanks for sharing this poem with its reminder that one may find a gift when one adjusts.

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  10. Love the context of this poem, Ruth! It does make me want to curl up with a cup of tea and ponder things a bit more. Thanks for sharing!

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  11. This poem is a fascinating puzzle! The ribbons, the insult, the strange name. I almost feel like we could make a story out of the details Stafford shares here.

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  12. This is definitely the year of learning to adjust--perfect poem for our time. "For you, Pig Head," made me laugh. I suspect Terza McDonald is laughing too.

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