poem: an ode in diagonal
of sloths & separation...
6 an ode in diagonal
you sleep away, I sleep at home
I hope you’re resting there alone
and that your back is tucked and warm
and that you know I miss your form
I’m sure that we’ll both sleep like stones
d’you know you throw the blankets off
at midnight when you’ve had enough
sometimes you even doff your socks
I laugh but keep my fingers locked
and hang on like a little sloth
I’d kiss your forehead, eye mask on
you smile sweetly—then you’re gone
—ZW
there is a poetic style in Sanskrit poetry called viraha, which means “separation” or “absence”. often, it is used to express the beautiful sadness of missing your loved one, and sometimes to express the sentiment of missing God himself. (ghazals are similar)
this little poem was composed in the tone of viraha, albeit without the shade of pining...
I thought I would share it today as Lane and I spent a few nights apart, and I usually think of the poem (and of her) on those evenings.
I also think of this cheeky little interlude:
I won’t go on overmuch about the poem, as I don’t think that would serve it to do so.
but I will say—something in me felt that romance and passion would be the primary seat of fulfillment in our relationship. and I have been pleasantly surprised over time to find that the more fulfilling thing is companionship, and something like being deeply known by someone—known and loved.
thanks for being here. I write weekly sharing poetry, songs, musings, thoughts on creative life, and hopefully some encouragement… anything you’d like to hear me write on? expound on? the poems I share are from my first collection of poetry called Snowmelt to Roots, and you can get them at my shop, on Amazon or on B&N.
sleep well,
Z
other poems I’ve shared here:
attempted contemplation at the breakfast table | MORNING
cup / path / song / house | MORNING
excerpt from a prayer | MIDDAY
God and the guest room | EVENING
I wonder if ever a buffalo | MIDDAY
instead of / why not | MORNING
morning translation | MORNING
San Antonio, Dec 2 | MORNING
squirrels | MORNING
taking her for granted | LOVE
the darkest night of the year | EVENING
the first page | MORNING
tidal | LOVE
This is spot on: "the more fulfilling thing is companionship, and something like being deeply known by someone—known and loved". I read this this morning and immediately appreciated you putting into words how I felt. And I hear this repeatedly, in different words, as my fellow widows and widowers share at our grief group. And then I went to Bible study after I read it this morning, and Jen Wilkin shared a quote by Tim Keller In his book The Meaning of Marriage: "But to be fully known and truly loved is, well, a lot like being loved by God. It is what we need more than anything. It liberates us from pretense, humbles us out of our self-righteousness, and fortifies us for any difficulty life can throw at us. "