It is not enough to know.
It is not enough to follow
the inward road conversing in secret.
It is not enough to see straight ahead,
to gaze at the unborn
thinking the silence belongs to you.
It is not enough to hear
even the tiniest edge of rain.
You must go to the place
where everything waits,
there, when you finally rest,
even one word will do,
one word or the palm of your hand
turning outward
in the gesture of gift.
And now we are truly afraid
to find the great silence
asking so little.
One word, one word only.
“It is Not Enough” from Where Many Rivers Meet by David Whyte. Copyright © 1990, 2004 by David Whyte.
Words for the Year 
Valley Song
The valley is a wonderful spectacle
of color: pink poi, red hibiscus,
golden sunflowers; all masterfully arranged
as if by an expert florist.
When the sun shines sincerely
on leaf surface, it sparkles
like a coin, giving the valley a sheen
synonymous to piety.
You marvel at the miracle that is Nature:
the awesome opening of the flower,
the brilliant bleat of the goat-
a sound that energizes the valley
like the spendid scraping of crickets
straight through the night.
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Nicholas, this is so lovely. I feel both Whyte and Merwin in your notes, especially in your beautiful poem “Inside.”
Thank you so much for sharing your words with us. ❤️Christy
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