As The Old Year Leaves...

In the year 2010 the careful construction of my life began being dismantled by exterior forces, board by board. The process was painful and disorienting. In the year 2011 I started building a new structure; simpler, more grounded on the earth and much closer to my heart. Now, in the year 2012, I plan to move in and truly make it my home.

I close with a transcendent poem that has always held special meaning for me. It seems particularly relevant now. Sara Teasdale lived from 1884-1933.

May you all keep learning and changing and have a magnificent and meaningful new year!

Leaves

ONE by one, like leaves from a tree,

All my faiths have forsaken me;

But the stars above my head

Burn in white and delicate red, 

And beneath my feet the earth

                           Brings the sturdy grass to birth.

                           I who was content to be

                           But a silken-singing tree,

                           But a rustle of delight

                           In the wistful heart of night--

                           I have lost the leaves that knew

                           Touch of rain and weight of dew.

                           Blinded by a leafy crown

                           I looked neither up nor down--

                           But the little leaves that die

                           Have left me room to see the sky;

                           Now for the first time I know

                           Stars above and earth below.

                             Sara Teasdale