May Swenson's poem "Question" is the question I have asked myself for many years. Its three metaphors--my house, my horse, my hound--are exquisite and powerful, and whether we like it or not, Swenson's question is one we all eventually must ask.
Question
Body, my house
my horse, my hound
what will I do
when you are fallen
Where will I sleep
How will I ride
What will I hunt
Where can I go
without my mount
all eager and quick
How will I know
in thicket ahead
is danger or treasure
when Body my good
bright dog is dead
How will it be
to lie in the sky
without roof or door
and wind for an eye
With cloud for shift
How will I hide?
I've been hospitalized at Cedars-Sinai in Los Angeles for over two weeks, the same hospital I visited in June for a battery of tests just after my diagnosis. This time, I am fighting the chemotherapy effects, intense abdominal pain, and infections of every kind. But despite all this, I still believe my faithful body can withstand the assault.
With love and gratitude,
Gabriele
I remember when you introduced this poem to me so many years ago. You have always been such an inspiration, and uplifter--a writing and literature professor who infused "professing" with deep connections to mind, body and spirit.
ReplyDeleteSending you love, strength and light-
Kate