Tuesday December 22 “I have found you in the story again”
Joy Harjo has written a new book this fall, “Conflict Resolution for Holy Beings.” A young friend — living in immediate grief when one of his soul friends died suddenly, age 24, while out running — he, one of a close group of young friends living this same loss — pointed me toward this new poem from one of my oldest soul friends. “Fall Song,” is a new song alongside “O Antiphon 6: O Rex Gentium,” one of the oldest writings that have appeared in the Work Day/Hard Time poetry list. Joy Harjo and the anonymous medieval artist both touch vulnerable contact points that require tenderness to work their mysteries in a demanding world.
Best to read both poems out loud, with pauses. Blessings this 22nd of December, the day when, in our northern hemisphere, daylight begins to tip a little bit longer after touching its deepest darkness yesterday.
Today’s Post – Joy Harjo, “Fall Song”
It is a dark fall day.
The earth is slightly damp with rain.
I hear a jay.
The cry is blue.
I have found you in the story again.
Is there another word for ‘‘divine’’?
I need a song that will keep sky open in my mind.
If I think behind me, I might break.
If I think forward, I lose now.
Forever will be a day like this
Strung perfectly on the necklace of days.
Slightly overcast
Yellow leaves
Your jacket hanging in the hallway
Next to mine.
poem by Joy Harjo – Nov 13, 2015
The New York Times Magazine
Antiphon #6 “O Rex Gentium”
O Leader of many peoples,
O Leader desired by many peoples
O Corner Stone who holds such different peoples together
Come and save us human beings whom you formed out of the earth’s clay.
To listen to the Antiphon sung in Gregorian Chant