We are Pilgrims. We travel
disparate trails, leave
one name behind, take on a new one
for a new epoch,
leave behind what's no longer needed,
make room for something new.
Wisdom is knowing what to leave,
what to take on.
We search a different path
as we re-name ourselves.
What name will I release?
For Victoria at dVerse Poets Pub who asks us to write on a difficult subject using imagery or metaphor. This place of transition and not knowing is what's difficult for me just now. This metaphor was inspired by a talk I heard by David Whyte who says we are more marvelous in our simple wish to find the way than in what way we find. I like that. And it's 55 words for the G-man.
(photo was taken on a hike at Campo Imperatore)
Nicely done, Grandmother. You might enjoy the novel, "The Orphan Train." It is based on a native American tradition called "portaging" in which the family, as they migrated throughout the seasons, had to decide what they can take with them and what leave behind. It weaves the story of two orphans, on very old and the other a teenager.
ReplyDeleteAlways up for a good read, I'll check it out.
DeleteTo be a pilgrim is a metaphor that can work in so many way. The seeking, the strains of the way and the enlightenment. well done.
ReplyDeleteI'm surprised, though, that it's still going on at my age...
DeleteMary Mary....
ReplyDeleteThe prodigal Daughter returns to the fold.
(At least for today)
Yes, we are all Pilgrims. Wonderful bit of writing my friend
Loved your New Path 55
Thanks for playing, don't be such a stranger, and have a Kick Ass Week-End
We can be contrary, you know. But what doesn't kill us makes us stronger. I hope.
DeleteI like the idea of a re-naming, and of course poetry is the journey, isn't it - the walk through the metaphorical which hinges on the other things: politics, ethics, philosophy, religion. All implied in your short but very effective poem.
ReplyDeleteI'm actually not sure I like just now it but it is apt. I like what you say about poetry. Thanks.
Deletethe trick is def knowing what to keep and what to release...
ReplyDeletewe will always be changing paths...its all part of life....
there is such power in naming...so too the re-naming...
I'm praying for the wisdom it takes...
DeleteAh yes, it IS hard to know what to leave and what to take on. We are all pilgrims making these decisions....not easy!
ReplyDeleteShouldn't it be getting easier at this age?
DeleteYou are standing at a crossroads in your life. I look forward to seeing your new direction.
ReplyDeleteMe too...
Deleteha - i've been looking for a new name myself... nice write
ReplyDeleteHow's it going for you?
DeleteI like that, too. And, I like this!
ReplyDeleteHe's wise and is speaking to me at this point.
Deleterenaming, releasing, A journey. I love this whole message!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Margaret, it's quite a journey.
Delete