Monday Morning Musing for 11.16.2020

November 16, 2020

Columbus, Ohio

I've discovered a poet I've only read before in snippets. Kathleen Raine was born in London in 1908 and developed an affinity for Indian poets. She released her first volume of poetry, Stone and Flower, in 1943.

Because of all that is ahead of us as a nation, change seems hopeful. Because of the recent change in my own life, this poem is a helpful reminder that necessary change comes to us all.

Change

by Kathleen Raine

Change Said the sun to the moon, You cannot stay. Change Says the moon to the waters, All is flowing. Change Says the fields to the grass, Seed-time and harvest, Chaff and grain. You must change, Said the worm to the bud, Though not to a rose, Petals fade That wings may rise Borne on the wind. You are changing said death to the maiden, your wan face To memory, to beauty. Are you ready to change? Says the thought to the heart, to let her pass All your life long For the unknown, the unborn In the alchemy Of the world's dream? You will change, says the stars to the sun, Says the night to the stars.