A common man marvels at uncommon things. A wise man marvels at the commonplace. CONFUCIUS

Sunday 17 April 2011

Two Worlds In One

Tread lightly in this world
That you may slip more easily
Into another; step soundlessly
That you may hear the music
Of both worlds: one world seamlessly
Woven within the other by one thread.

Dip fearlessly your toe
Into the river of eternal delight
And walk in wonder through
The forests of the night; seek wordlessly
The logos in the landscape; find
Infinity in the palm of your hand.

Two worlds in one: the lily
And the rose, the worm and the dove;
One world in two, both intertwined:
A double helix of grace and love.
Tread lightly in this world that you may know
How softly steps the unicorn in snow.


(With thanks to Christina Rossetti and William Blake for the inspiration)

16 comments:

Arija said...

It is so very true and beautifully put.
I'm not as light as the unicorn, but at least, I only leave green footsteps.

More Than Meets the I said...

Apart from the obvious inspiration from Christina Rossetti and William Blake, there's a little bit of Rilke here as well :)
You are so fortunate to have entered into 'wordless' dialectics with the landscape (don't deny it, out of modesty...) Perhaps logos (as sense, rationality) does arise, when we gradually become aware of the two worlds overlapping. What other better way than listening to the eternal logos of nature?

Ruth said...

I don't think there is a more important image in my psyche than a universe in a grain of sand, so your poem really speaks to me. Like More than Meets the I, I hear Rilke here too. The readings at AYWR and elsewhere are doing much to help my mind and heart think and feel death differently, as part of life.

ksam said...

Sitting in my house, so early, on a beautiful rain washed morning, waiting for the call from the hospital saying she's finally here...this was the perfect. Thank you!

Richmond Talbot said...

Very lovely to find on a Sunday morning in April with the sun trying to break through the clouds of last night's rain.

The Weaver of Grass said...

That is absolutely beautiful Robert.

am said...

Now I'm going to go take a walk with this in mind. Thanks so much for posting this today.

The Solitary Walker said...

Thanks for all your comments. I thionk it's valuable to try this kind of pastiche-poem from time to time.

Luiza said...

This is a beautiful poem Robert, it speaks to my heart. Thank you for starting my day off in such a delightful way.

Gail said...

HI, it's me, Gail! Seems we travel in the same blog circles so I thought I would visit you at your place, so "HI" :-)

This is a lovely poem and I found it so comforting and true. Nice to be here.
Love Gail
peace......

The Solitary Walker said...

I'm glad the poem spoke to you, Luiza.

And Gail - Hi! You are most welcome. It's nice to meet you properly one-to-one after bumping into you briefly at other places on the blog circuit. Pleased you like the poem.

Alive said...

An adoration for walking,respect for our surroundings, there then lies a magical realm of wonderment and true grace.
Thank you for your sharing.

Ann Grenier said...

The peacefulness of your poem flows over me. "Tread lightly - step soundlessly" If only I could keep these words in mind in all situations. Thank you.

The Solitary Walker said...

Thanks, Alive and Ann, for your comments.

Caroline Gill said...

I so enjoyed your words, Robert ... and felt a certain tribute to Yeats (this one), too.

The Solitary Walker said...

Yes, definitely a subconscious reference to WBY there, Caroline!