4/23/2020 3 Comments IsolationNotes Today, the believed birthday of William Shakespeare in 1564, is an appropriate day to return to posting this poetry blog after an extended absence. At a time when most of the country's inhabitants are harboring at home because of the pandemic it is interesting to note that Shakespeare wrote his last few plays at home in Stratford, having left London to avoid the danger of the bubonic plague. In our isolation, we may find time to discover reading put aside or never explored. I returned to the work of the American poet William Stafford (1914-993). His surprising insights into our experience, his reassurance of the value of our lives, is especially invigorating at this time. A poem from The Way It Is, New and Selected Poems, Graywolf Press, I found heartening. Notes for the Program Just the ordinary days, please I wouldn't want them any better. About the pace of life, it seems best to have slow, if-I-can stand-them revelations. And take this message about the inevitable: I've decided it's all right if it comes. William Stafford
3 Comments
4/27/2020 02:43:47 pm
Stafford is a word of encouragement as he looks at his life.
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Margaret Liftik
7/28/2020 09:46:32 am
I miss the ordinary days, these days. Stafford was wise!
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Neva HerringtonNeva Herrington is a poet and former educator. She is currently working on a new book of poetry, a collection of short stories, and her memoir. Her inspiration comes from her own experience and the work of other poets. Archives
March 2022
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