Writing poetry is a bit of a new territory for me, and publishing my poems is definitely moving out of my comfort zone. But hey, that was a part of my own promises to myself for the new year. To be brave, to take responsibility for my own life like in Caged bird no more, and to Be your own boss, to just go for it if it feels right, and to dare to be brave, even if it means leaving my comfort zone. Sometimes we can even use a gentle push, just to make us dare, to take that first step, to go there. And sometimes life has a plan of it's own, and before we know it, life is turned upside down. Still, there is always hope, healing, and a plan B:-) Yes, you will get through it and you will come out in the other end, you might have to leave your comfort zone and take a chance or two. If you want to go for it, do it. Life is too short for regrets.
One of my favourite poems about this was written in 1924, by the Swedish poet Karin Boye. Her style of writing makes her poetry just as relevant today. I hope you will like this one as much as I do:
You shall thank your gods (by Karin Boye. English translation by David McDuff)
You shall thank your gods,
if they force you to go
where you have no footprints
to trust to.
You shall thank your gods,
if all shame on you they pin.
You must seek refuge
a little further in.
What the whole world condemns
sometimes manages quite well.
Outlaws were many
who gained their own soul.
He who is forced to wild wood
looks on all with new sight,
and he tastes with gratitude
life's bread and salt.
You shall thank your gods,
when your shell they break.
Reality and kernel
the sole choice you can make.
You shall thank your gods,
if they force you to go
where you have no footprints
to trust to.
You shall thank your gods,
if all shame on you they pin.
You must seek refuge
a little further in.
What the whole world condemns
sometimes manages quite well.
Outlaws were many
who gained their own soul.
He who is forced to wild wood
looks on all with new sight,
and he tastes with gratitude
life's bread and salt.
You shall thank your gods,
when your shell they break.
Reality and kernel
the sole choice you can make.
Loved the Mark Twain quote and it appears that is how you choose to live your life! Hats off to you. I have lived out of my comfort zone for so long, it has become my new comfort zone LOL
ReplyDeleteThanks a lot Carol:-)
DeleteWow!!!!!! You had me at the last sentence of "where you have no footprints to trust to." The whole poem touched me, as I find myself on that unknown path of trusting and not knowing.
ReplyDeleteCredit to the poet Karin Boye- its a beautiful poem:-)
DeleteIt is so hard to put oneself out there. I admire you for going for it! Taking risks is what makes life interesting.❤️
ReplyDeleteThanks a lot dear Kathy:-)
DeleteThis Mark Twain quote resonates with me. I used to be really hesitant to express emotion openly, especially love and affection. But over the years, I have come to regret the things that I left unsaid. It would have made a world of difference in my relationship with few of my friends. However, that is a lesson I have learnt well now. :)
ReplyDeleteOh, thanks a lot for sharing dear friend:-) Big hugs
DeleteThat Mark Twain quote is one of my most favorites - it is such a dose of inspiration to live in the present moment, Eli! That's a beautiful poem. (And I think you're good too!)
ReplyDeleteBy the way, have I told you I love your blog title (fushionista) - so creative! And yes, stepping out of the comfort zone is where the Promised Land lies. :) Hugs! Have a great week Eli!
Thank you so much dear Vidya. Your encouraging words means a lot to me. Sending hugs
DeleteI agree that stepping out of one's comfort zone takes courage, Eli and I am so glad to see you taking it in your stride. Your letter to me late last year was such a touching testimony to the amount of courage you have that I doff my hat to you. May you always pen poetry when the fancy strikes and always take life by the horns!
ReplyDeleteWow, dear Shailaja, that means so much to me. Thank you so much:-) Warm hugs
DeleteI needed this post Eli since I'm one of those who don't much like to step out. Yet each time I have done so I have come back with a great experience. This is something I need to remember.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Tulika, so happy you liked it my dear friend:-)
DeleteLove the poem and it's so true. This year, I too am reaching beyond my comfort zone and loving it. May you find happiness in all you do, Eli.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much dear Corinne:-) All the best your way:-)
DeleteStunning poem there, Eli! Thanks for sharing. The last verse just says it all, and does it so beautifully. "When your shell they break"...wow! I suppose without such breaking we will never see or know the kernel within. Please keep sharing more of your poetic-side with us :)
ReplyDeleteHappy you liked it Beloo:-) Big hugs
DeleteLoved the poem and the Mark Twain quote. Pushing ourselves out of our comfort zone is never easy but can be such a great growing experience and quite exhilarating, too. I need to do more as I tend to play it safe.
ReplyDeleteSo glad to see you posting and feeling so happy and upbeat. And I always love your poems as they are so full of hope with a positive tone. You're a true survivor!
Hugs and have a terrific week! I send you a snail mail letter. Trying to get back into the routine again!
Thanks a lot dear Cathy. Your encouraging words means so much to me. Yup, snailmailing with you is fun, my friend. Sending hugs
DeleteThis is a lovely poem and a sentiment I always share with others. We always have to move out of the comfort zone if we want to be the best we can be.
ReplyDeleteThats so true:-) Thank you so much Roshan, happy to see you here:-)
DeleteLove the quote by Mark Twain! And, having read it somewhere some time ago, I am trying to do things that I won't regret doing and things that will make me proud of myself twenty years from now!
ReplyDeleteAlso, loved your poem, Eli! You are GOOD! "where you have no footprints to trust to...! " amazing, indeed! Bravo, girl!
Thanks dear Shilpa, always happy to see you here my friend. Credits to the poet though - Karin Boye - one of my absolute poems:-) Big hugs
DeleteSuch a beautiful poem and the quote, Eli. You are such a positive and warm person that you brighten up others by your interaction. Stepping out of one's comfort zone is quite tricky and difficult. I fail more than I succeed but I keep trying.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much dear Rachna. I so appreciate your kind words:-) Sending you hugs sweetie:-)
ReplyDeleteDearest Eli,
ReplyDeleteVery happy for you that you are able to discover your inner poet and produce great work also.
Yes, this Swedish poet wrote it very well.
Sending you hugs,
Mariette
Dear Mariette, Thank you so much for your kind and encouraging words. Big hugs back
DeleteSweet Eli. You're right, life is too short for regrets. And you're so brave and gifted my dear friend and I love that you have decided to publish your poems. You'rea gifted writer and the world need your poems. So keep writing them and keep publishing.♥
ReplyDeleteTake care sweet Eli.♥
Charlie
xx
Thank you so much for your always so kind, warm and encouraging words:-) Sending warm hugs back to you
DeleteI just love the way you put your thoughts into poems.. I too love writing poems, but yours are always fun to read.. And of course, how come New Year's thoughts without rhyming them out?
ReplyDeleteCheers
Hahaha - awesome:-) Thanks for your kind words:-) Hugs
Deletelovely verses.. beautiful quote.. resonated with me in so many different ways..
ReplyDelete