Wednesday, July 7, 2021

next time


Next time what I'd do is look at 
the earth before saying anything. I'd stop
just before going into a house
and be an emperor for a minute
and listen better to the wind
  or to the air being still.

When anyone talked to me, whether
blame or praise or just passing time,
I'd watch the face, how the mouth
had to work, and see any strain, any
sign of what lifted the voice.

And for all, I'd know more - the earth
bracing itself and soaring, the air 
finding every leaf and feather over
forest and water, and for every person
the body glowing inside the clothes
  like a light. 





William Stafford
Photo:  Peter Bowers