December 7, 2010
Poem for December: “Lines for Winter”
Lines for Winter
by Mark Strand
for Ros KraussTell yourself
as it gets cold and gray falls from the air
that you will go on
walking, hearing
the same tune no matter where
you find yourself—
inside the dome of dark
or under the cracking white
of the moon’s gaze in a valley of snow.
Tonight as it gets cold
tell yourself
what you know which is nothing
but the tune your bones play
as you keep going. And you will be able
for once to lie down under the small fire
of winter stars.
And if it happens that you cannot
go on or turn back
and you find yourself
where you will be at the end,
tell yourself
in that final flowing of cold through your limbs
that you love what you are.
Photo: “A Winter’s Tale” available on Etsy
Katie @ cakes, tea and dreams: “That you love what you are.” Gorgeous.1 year ago
Anne: Beautiful poem and image. I love that you share poetry!1 year ago
I’m such a sucker for a line of writing that knocks the breath out of me, and poetry has got that in spades. So glad you both love this as much as I do!1 year ago
Liz: I don’t know how you manage to always post the exact poem that I need, but you do.1 year ago
Better that you not know, Liz, cause it would probably creep you out.
Kidding!
So glad you got just what you needed. Isn’t it marvelous when that happens?1 year ago
popcorn plays: i love mark strand. thank you for sharing.1 year ago
Miranda M.: my goodness…amazing.1 year ago
Katrina: You should edit/compile an anthology of poems based on the months of the year. You always choose so well, managing to reflect exactly what I am feeling as seasons change. I would be first in line to buy your anthology!1 year ago
Lucy: Lovely, thank you for sharing!1 year ago
Coffee Milk: Your site is so beautiful and attractive
19 weeks ago