Of course it hurts

Of course it hurts when buds burst.
Otherwise why would spring hesitate?
Why would all our fervent longing
be bound in the frozen bitter haze?
The bud was the casing all winter.
What is this new thing,
which consumes and bursts?
Of course it hurts when buds burst,
pain for that which grows
and for that which envelops.

Of course it is hard when drops fall.
Trembling with fear they hang heavy,
clammer on the branch, swell and slide -
the weight pulls them down, how they cling.
Hard to be uncertain, afraid and divided,
hard to feel the deep pulling and calling,
yet sit there and just quiver -
hard to want to stay
and to want to fall.

Then, at the point of agony and when all is beyond help,
the tree's buds burst as if in jubilation,
then, when fear no longer exists,
the branch's drops tumble in a shimmer,
forgetting that they were afraid of the new,
forgetting that they were fearful of the journey
- feeling for a second their greatest security,
resting in the trust
that creates the world.

Karin Boye, translation by Jenny Nunn

This poem by one of my favourite poets reminds me of Kirsten Michelle's post a while back. For you, yes you, who are quivering on the branch or desperately clinging, freefalling towards the unknown or for that matter just quietly and gracefully going into bloom, this is for you.

These days I walk around, quiet inside, slowing my breath and feeling my way, listening. The further in you go, the more precise you focus, the more centered you align yourself, the tighter you curl up in softness, the stiller you are and the more silence you allow - the hotter and smoother the flame of your fire.

I am interested in where I give my strength away and why. I am interested in that place at the core of me, that is soft and fluid, but strong and swift. I am interested in what I really feel and want and what the most true expression of that would be. I am interested in living deliberately and having the courage to go for it, to trust yourself.

I'm slowly writing about my trip to India so next time should be Part One of that. Thank you so much for dropping in and checking on me, that made me smile. I feel connected to people like I have never felt before.

Wishing you that reassuring strength, the joy and confidence that your body will support you, the miles you have in your legs, the courage you have in your heart, the integrity of your spirit, the lightness of being on your path. Much love to you.

Comments

[darlene]

thank you for sharing that beautiful poem, it is breathtaking ...

[megg]

Oh, I SO get this! I feel like that almost every day - just on the edge of something amazing! Oprah Winfrey once said something that I wrote own and I have on on my bulletin board so that I can see it every day. She said: "Metamorphosis isn't always pretty but it is always awesome and absolutely essential."

It's not easy or pretty but if we can do it - wow!!!

(nice to have you back!)
xo

[Rebekah]

So good to hear your voice again. What a stunning picture!

[rhayne]

Just when I think that the english language is so over used, and how can anyone keep creating beautiful poetry that has a unique voice (but people keep doing so!!)...you come along with this little gem.
I SO love this poem.
Thank you xoxo

[linni]

your words are like 'fireflies' flying around you....
gently brushing ...
lighting your way...

Lying under the stars and trees, looking up into the unknown...
knowing the path are lid....
I am not alone. xx

[attaining creativity]

Thank you for a wonderful poem, worthy of seeing every day.
Thank you also for showing me that falling doesn't have to be scary.

[maddie]

dearest girl ~ i really needed this
poem right now and i thank you
for it:)

(hugs)

yay! can't wait to hear all about India:)

[Lynn]

Beautiful poem, me loves.
Have a wonderful journey, am very much looking forward to your next post.

[kristen]

"I am interested in where I give my strength away and why."

This is such an important sentence for me right now...something i really need to explore. Thank you for the reminder. xo

[PixieDust]

Always, always, always with you, there is such a softness... I feel so safe to come here and listen to your spillings, your encouragement, and your heart.

Love you!

(((HUGS))),
Me

[Angie]

Yes, such a lovely poem :-)

[Jessie]

Caroline, I feel such a quickening reading this. An excitement and a calm all at once. I could read this post a thousand times and still not tire of these words. They speak perfectly to me right now.

Here's to spring and all that it is capable of. ;)

much love,
j.

[Jessie]

Caroline, I feel such a quickening reading this. An excitement and a calm all at once. I could read this post a thousand times and still not tire of these words. They speak perfectly to me right now.

Here's to spring and all that it is capable of. ;)

much love,
j.

[Kirsten Michelle]

i thank you...

*for this gorgeous photo,
*this beautiful poem,
*these honest words

from the bottom of my heart, i thank you.

in love and light,
kirsten
xo

[Knitsational]

What a stunning poem. I've never read her before. And that's excatly what I'm feeling right now. It's just like you're in my head.

[Chloe]

I love that poem. Thank you for sharing it. I too have been contemplating where I give my strength, what drains my energy and what’s at the core.

And your words, “The hotter and smoother the flame of your fire”…that’s a gorgeous way to put it.

Love and peace to you Caroline, as you travel inward

Can’t wait to hear about India!

[Gillian]

I am sure reading about your trip to India will be as enjoyable if not more so than reading your thoughts and this poem here.
The poem captures so much, especially the thinking...what was I so afraid of?
Well written and thought provoking post Caroline, thank you.
xo

[kateri]

Missing you...xo

[Marie]

Beautiful post...
I love the poem, it's one of my favorites.

Hug from Marie :)

[susanna]

Such a beautiful poem. I never thought of Spring that way before. I especially like the first two lines. And, of course, your writing is beautiful - as always.

Earlier this month, I felt as you do. I considered taking a break from blogging and then so many blogging-related opportunities appeared over the following weeks. Funny how Life works that way...when we think we need one thing but what we really need is something else entirely.