You Learn
Jorge Luis Borges
(translated by Veronica A. Shoffstall)
After a while you learn the subtle difference
Between holding a hand and chaining a soul,
And you learn that love doesn't mean leaning
And company doesn't mean security.
And you begin to learn that kisses aren't contracts
And presents aren't promises,
And you begin to accept your defeats
With your head up and your eyes open
With the grace of a woman, not the grief of a child,
And you learn to build all your roads on today
Because tomorrow's ground is too uncertain for plans
And futures have a way of falling down in mid-flight.
After a while you learn...
That even sunshine burns if you get too much.
So you plant your garden and decorate your own soul,
Instead of waiting for someone to bring you flowers.
And you learn that you really can endure...
That you really are strong
And you really do have worth...
And you learn and learn...
With every good-bye you learn.
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you know, i really needed to read that tonight.....not just a beautiful poem, but an affirmation that everyone, no matter how screwed up, is of value...should be valued...must be of value at the very least to himself......unfortunately, when you're drowning in your own slough, it's hard to see the rays of sun above the slimy surface.....i haven't figured it out yet--how to raise my head out of the black muck.....people will always say, "just do it..get on with it..everything's going to be alright..you'll see." but you can't see with the blackness in your eyes and your limbs paralyzed by the weight of the despond. few people can get that...they think you're weird or quaintly eccentric or they simply cross to the other side of the street when they see you coming.....there's no help for it....and it's a damn pity because it's a beautiful world outside full of bright possibility-----only when you're paralyzed, you can't just reach out and take hold....you just sink deeper into regret and sorrow and self-loathing....sorry for the uplifting comments...i'll try to be more cheerful next time
ReplyDeleteps: your work is brilliant and telling.....and you are right it's black, black humor...but that's just the way i like it...i have a skewed world view.
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