Poet Jane Hirshfield said "... the feeling I have about poem-writing (is) that it is always an exploration, of discovering something I didn't already know. Who I am shifts from moment to moment, year to year. What I can perceive does as well. A new poem peers into mystery, into whatever lies just beyond the edge of knowable ground."
I bring a different poem to the writing classes each week, not only to inspire but to introduce new poets to the group members.
Having Come This Far by James Broughton
I've been through what my through was to be I did what I could and couldn't I was never sure how I would get there I nourished an ardor for thresholds for stepping stones and for ladders I discovered detour and ditch I swam in the high tides of greed I built sandcastles to house my dreams I survived the sunburns of love No longer do I hunt for targets I've climbed all the summits I need to and I've eaten my share of lotus Now I give praise and thanks for what could not be avoided and for every foolhardy choice I cherish my wounds and their cures and the sweet enervations of bliss My book is an open life I wave goodbye to the absolutes and send my regards to infinity I'd rather be blithe than correct Until something transcendent turns up I splash in my poetry puddle and try to keep God amused. ~ from Special Deliveries, New and Selected Poems
(Broken Moon Press, 1990)