So Take the Lively Air

The Waking

I wake to sleep, and take my waking slow.
I feel my fate in what I cannot fear.
I learn by going where I have to go.

We think by feeling. What is there to know?
I hear my being dance from ear to ear.
I wake to sleep, and take my waking slow.

Of those so close beside me, which are you?
God bless the Ground!  I shall walk softly there,
And learn by going where I have to go.

Light takes the Tree; but who can tell us how?
The lowly worm climbs up a winding stair;
I wake to sleep, and take my waking slow.

Great Nature has another thing to do
To you and me; so take the lively air,
And, lovely, learn by going where to go.

This shaking keeps me steady. I should know.
What falls away is always.  And is near.
I wake to sleep, and take my waking slow.
I learn by going where I have to go.

 --Theodore Roethke

Have I mentioned that I love Theodore Roethke?  He's one of my favorite  poets evah.  This poem is a villanelle--a form I just really, really like.  And there is much truth in these words:  we think by feeling; what is there to know; I hear my being dance from ear to ear; God bless the Ground!; What falls away is always. And is near.  Nice, nice, nice and true, true true!

With the approaching holidays, I think it's important for me to take my waking slow.  Every year, I try to simplify a little more.  Buy less, make more.  Keep the excess in check.  Well, except for my beautiful tree.  More is better there.  But it's OLD stuff, family history glittering from the branches.  I love it!!! And this year, I'm making (sewing!) a Christmas tree skirt!  I finally figured out how to run my machine and it pleases me to no end.  Once I finish the skirt, who knows what else I'll sew? While the children have visions of sugarplums, I have visions of cloth napkins, patchwork quilts, a-line skirts and aprons.  Jump BACK!

I've already bought a few things for the kids, which feels good.  I'm going to try hard not to go overboard crizzaaazzzy!  And I'm NOT shopping big box this year.  I would rather suffer death by fudgsicle sticks (if you know me, you know what I mean) than shop Black Friday at midnight on thanks-freakin'-giving.  One of my fave blogs, Bedlam Farm, introduced me to the idea of Plaid Friday--which means shopping locally and supporting real people's businesses instead of the big box Man.  After I drop off my kids with their dad on Friday, I'm going to go to Miller's in Carnation to buy trinkets for the advent calendar, and whatever else strikes my fancy.  That is one awesome shop with a super nice owner from whom I like buying some Christmas.  And I encourage everyone reading this to do Plaid Friday, too, as much as possible. 

But in the immediate future is Thanksgiving, the most wonderful, overlooked holiday.  We are celebrating with Carrie and her family and it will be lovely.  And relaxing.  And fun.  And after that, we'll talk Christmas, mmmkay?

Great Nature has another thing to do

To you and me; so take the lively air,
And, lovely, learn by going where to go.