“Keeping Things Whole” by Mark Strand

On By Christina's WordsIn Poetry
In a field
I am the absence
of field.
This is
always the case.
Wherever I am
I am what is missing.

 

When I walk
I part the air
and always
the air moves in
to fill the spaces
where my body’s been.

 

We all have reasons
for moving.
I move
to keep things whole.

 

Mark Strand, “Keeping Things Whole” from Selected Poems. Copyright © 1979, 1980 by Mark Strand.

4 thoughts on ““Keeping Things Whole” by Mark Strand”

  1. September's Return

    Strange in a Wow! sort of way. I read this multiple times just trying to grasp the fullness of what he’s saying. It’s not a concept my brain has ever worked with before, and I want to think on it more. Strangely wonderful. ~ Great post.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Isn’t it wonderful? Strangely wonderful, I like that. It’s like a wormhole for your brain…and he’s right, you know.

      Now to really blow your mind, read this in conjunction with yesterday’s piece.

      Its final stanza:

      The airy sky has taken its place leaning against the wall.
      It is like a prayer to what is empty.
      And what is empty turns its face to us
      and whispers:
      “I am not empty, I am open.”

      Something we all can meditate on, I’m sure.

      Happy Friday, c-

      Liked by 1 person

      1. September's Return

        Yes…

        Being a bear of very little brain, I am new to Mark Strand. I have been all over Amazon since reading your post only to find that…basically, I’m a dunce and he’s been around for like a thousand years. (When I enter the room I am the absence of education… Or something like that.) Anyway, I’ll be making purchases of his work now, and want to Thank You(!) very much for the introduction. ~ Happy Friday to you as well. ~ Bill

        Liked by 1 person

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