We have shed many skins,
always working toward some
uncovered state: below opinion,
below expectation, even below
the exhilaration of a dream.
All to accept that shedding is
a way of life. Going out builds
up. Going in takes off. And we
go on. Despite the pain of taking
off, we want the glow of being to
last a bit longer. And we go on.
Now I see that this is how the
Universe renews itself: by build-
ing up and taking off. There is
no other way. Pain and Glow.
And we go on. Like a crab
inching from its shell. Like
a bird molting its feathers.
Like an enduring self leav-
ing everyone’s judgments
on the side of the road.
From The Half-Life of Angels
Check out Mark’s Events page at http://threeintentions.com/events for Mark’s upcoming in-person and online events.
APRIL 13: A free publication reading and conversation by Mark Nepo, to celebrate the publication of, The Half-Life of Angels: Three Books of Poems at the Kalamazoo College Library,Hicks Center 7–9PM
MAY 5–7: Reading and Weekend Retreat, The Gift of Relationship, The Sophia Institute, Charleston, SC, or call 843–720–8528. Registration details here.
July 9, 16 & 23: You Don’t Have to Do It Along: The Net of Friendship. A 3-session virtual webinar guided by Mark Nepo 1–2:30pm ET/10–11:30am PT. Details at Live.MarkNepo.com.
