Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Introspective

Feeling introspective today. It's rainy. My kids are perpetually sick, but not ill, so I thank God. And I have a wonderful, blessed family and husband. But still there are days when it is wearing to have to leave the kids at home, haul my ass into work, and address other people's problems. Other days my job feels like a gift. After all, I get paid well, I have my own office and secretary, and ultimately I help people with their problems. It's a circular argument that may not even make sense to all of you out there because this is mostly just my train of thought splashed onto my own little blog space in the midst of this giant world.

So, I'll leave you with a poem that I'm reminded of when I start to feel introspective. It was written in 1923 by William Carlos Williams (yes, weird that his name is William Williams). It is simple, but decidedly great American literature - at least that's what the experts say. You tell me what you think. I studied this poem in undergrad (English and History major) and bragged to Chuck that one day I would have this poem framed and hung in my office to remind me that just a few words can be profound, and greatness can be simple, and that I will absolutely never completely understand poetry.

so much depends
upon

a red wheel
barrow

glazed with rain
water

beside the white
chickens.


That's it. One sentence. It reminds me of modern art - another type of composition that I don't understand. Still, to me, this poem captures the essence of life - trapped in just a few words that depict a simple scene - one of the many that make up our daily lives. I'm not sure that's the conclusion of the experts' analysis, but that's how I see it.

1 comment:

Mary said...

I actually love that poem. Good way to remind yourself to see the beauty in simple things and appreciate life no matter what you are doing. Thanks!