While cleaning out my “spirituality” file recently, I came across this lovely poem. In the spirit of every day being Valentine’s Day and another opportunity to love oneself and love others, I offer this poem as my gift to you. Happy Valentine’s Days!
Love after Love
The time will come
When, with elation,
You will greet yourself arriving
At your own door, in your own mirror,
And each will smile at the other’s welcome,
And say, sit here, Eat,
You will love again the stranger who was your self.
Give wine, Give bread, Give back your heart
To itself, to the stranger who has loved you
All your life, whom you ignored
For another, who knows you by heart.
Take down the love letters from the bookshelf,
The photographs, the desperate notes,
Peel your image from the mirror.
Sit. Feast on your life.
–Derek Walcott
This poem just reminded me that I might enjoy The Splendor of Recognition by Swami Shatananda. Walcott elegantly captures that moment of deeply and completely recognizing the self.
Thanks, Chloe.
Life is a miracle.
Love, Dad
perfect! Loving oneself as gift to one and all.
Thank you for this post. I heard the poem recited today on NPR, and found your blog while searching for it. Walcott’s words are beautiful and always timely. Cheers, stranger..