Jan 25 2007
In Adversity Celebrate
Many years ago I served in Berlin under a difficult chief — to put it mildly. The experience served me well when I encountered and endured later much more serious events that touched me deeply. At the end of each month during this year, my wife and I prepared a special breakfast celebration and with a split of champagne toasted the experience.
The following poem I composed to remind me — and perhaps you — through grief, loss, disappointment awaits extraordinary joy. But remember, I said though.
His Smile Stilled My Anxious Heart
I came upon a man of indeterminate years
At the beach the other morning.
Walking toward me on hard-capped sand
Just beyond the surf-splash of the winter sea.
He was barefoot, damp cuffs hiked,
His legs displayed the scars of age.
Gray scraggly beard, furrowed face
Poked out the rumpled sweatshirt hood.
As if he knew me he approached.
His smile stilled my anxious heart
Where I somber mulled life’s travails,
Disorientation and at times despair.
His smile stilled my anxious heart and
He began to speak of loss, disappointment,
Failed relationships, goals not met,
Declining health, time running out.
Not sure I needed one such company
On this desultory day where storm clouds
Hovered above dull, flat surf
I made to leave — he restrained me gently.
His arm around my shoulder calmed,
He whispered, In adversity celebrate!
I thought him mad though gazed
Blue radiance for confirmation.
Undeterred, not loosening his grip,
Shattered you are, it seems,
So be among those chosen, he urged,
Learn the way of celebration.
He knew me well, this wanderer,
I leaned closer to catch his breath,
Confound dark forces with acceptance,
In your nakedness be clothed in light.
I hadn’t expected riddles on the sand,
No longer I resist his sway,
Let go of trappings, those delusions,
Apparitions let loose in gaudy gown,
Tempting — chimerical of light,
No offering of warmth in winter,
Fluttering distractions without worth
As you prepare to journey.
He looked to sea and back again,
A truth, he hushed to me,
Tears are the narrow gate
That leads to joy foretold.
Then he was gone and I alone,
Recalling a smile on an empty beach
That stilled my anxious heart, and
Gave me cause to celebrate.
