This Blue Jay seems to be grasping the branch with all his might. When he grasps so tightly, he has to place all of his focus right there upon that which he grasps, thus, his focus becomes very small and limited.
When I am grasping, clutching, clinging to something, whether onto a belief, idea, person, or situation, I find that my focus becomes very small, limited, and self-absorbed. In this state, I may not be able to see alternatives, possibilities, or opportunities. I may not notice the powerful wind ruffling my feathers ready to lift me into the air if only I let go of the branch and spread my wings. After all, I am meant to fly!
I have a challenge that is asking me to let go of the branch and spread my wings. I’m scared. It’s safe and familiar right here on the branch, but not very satisfying or fulfilling. I’ve flown a thousand times now. I know how freeing it is to soar, and I know now that I am capable of it, even made for it. But the wind wants to take me to new territory. Do I have the courage?
Come to the Edge
Come to the edge.
We might fall.
Come to the edge.
It’s too high!
COME TO THE EDGE!
And they came,
And he pushed,
And they flew.
Christopher Logue
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
I really love this, Carla. Thanks for your eloquent reminder.
I hope you don’t mind a poetry response to your Logue poem, by Sheenagh Pugh, a Welsh poet…entitled “Sometimes”
Somethings things don’t go, after all,
from bad to worse. Some years, muscadel
faces down frost; green thrives; the crops don’t fail, sometimes a man aims high,
and all goes well.
A people sometimes will step back from war;
elect an honest man; decide they care enough,
that they can’t leave some stranger poor.
Some men become what they were born for.
Sometimes our best efforts do not go amiss;
sometimes we do as we meant to.
The sun will sometimes melt a field of sorrow
that seems hard frozen; may it happen for you.
Such a wonderful soulful blog you have. I love to visit when I can.
Thank you, Pam, for this beautiful poem. I can’t wait to call a dear friend and read it to her. We love to share poetry with one another. And thank you for your kind words.