Day: September 4, 2015

The Waking

I Wake to sleep, and take my waking slow.
I feel my fate in what I cannot fear.
I learn by going where I have to go.

We think by feeling. What is there to know?
I hear my being dance from ear to ear.
I wake to sleep, and take my waking slow.

Of those so close beside me, which are you?
God bless the Ground! I shall walk softly there,
And learn by going where I have to go.

Light takes the Tree; but who can tell us how?
The lowly worm climbs up a winding stair;
I wake to sleep, and take my waking slow.

Great Nature has another thing to do
To you and me; so take the lively air,
And, lovely, learn by going where to go.

This shaking keeps me steady. I should know.
What falls away is always. And is near.
I wake to sleep, and take my waking slow.
I learn by going where I have to go.

– Theodore Roethke (1954)

slow waking…

Encountering Marcel Proust! Can I get this doormat? Or just new pair of eyes?

Cool thing about the unique landscape in Vancouver is … that the forest comes right up to the ocean. In many lands, saltwater does not promote tree growth so forest is a bit more in the high lands from the ocean but … here, all these trees provide lovely foliage right up to the shores. Walking by the seaside hiking and biking path, one can look to the left to appreciate the vast sea … then look to the right – only to take in the lush greenery … view of trees, trees, and more … trees. Love the proximity of two environs… there’s no need to choose between a beach/ocean and the forest/mountains – they are both within grasp… it’s the best of both worlds without going a great distance.
So you feel like you can sit at this bench, with entire forest at your back, then feel the ocean salt water in the air and see the bright sparkly sea … and the horizon beyond. It must be spectacular sunrise and sunset here… it’s a mid-afternoon visit though.
Water is clear … translucent.