PoemHunter.com

Notice What This Poem Is Not Doing by William Staf

10/6/2008 9:08:03 AM
Home Poets Poems Lyrics Quotations Music Forum Search Member Area Poetry E-Books Sites Mini Quiz
 

POEMS

LYRICS

MUSIC

QUOTATIONS

SEARCH

   
William Stafford William Stafford
(1914 - 1993 / USA)
Free Poetry E-Book:
21 poems of William Stafford

File Size: 117k  File Format: Acrobat Reader
To download the eBook right-Click on the title and select "Save Target As". more ebooks >>
   • Biography  Poems  Quotations  Comments  More Info  Stats 

 
 
<< prev. poem Poems by William Stafford: 10 / 21 next poem >>
  
 
Notice What This Poem Is Not Doing
 
  The light along the hills in the morning
comes down slowly, naming the trees
white, then coasting the ground for stones to nominate.

Notice what this poem is not doing.

A house, a house, a barn, the old
quarry, where the river shrugs--
how much of this place is yours?

Notice what this poem is not doing.

Every person gone has taken a stone
to hold, and catch the sun. The carving
says, "Not here, but called away."

Notice what this poem is not doing.

The sun, the earth, the sky, all wait.
The crowns and redbirds talk. The light
along the hills has come, has found you.

Notice what this poem has not done.

William Stafford


Read poems about / on: poem, house, river, sun, light, sky, tree

User Rating:

6.9 /10
(17 votes)



 
Comments about this poem (Notice What This Poem Is Not Doing by William Stafford)  more comments >>
Click here to write your comments about this poem (Notice What This Poem Is Not Doing by William Stafford)
 
E F (8/30/2006 1:40:00 PM)
The poem speaks to those who have departed. It speaks no words and yet volumes. Leaves no details, but images and shadows of living and dead. It speaks in the spaces and gaps and does not make a sound. It pulses with vibrant unfulfilled motions and departs unadorned.
John Tiong Chunghoo (3/25/2006 12:29:00 AM)
such a lovely deep poem.

hill climbing
letting child hit
summit first

Read all 2 comments >>
People who read William Stafford also read: More classic poets:

The complete list >>

Lyrics

The complete list >>

QuickPoll
How often do you visit our website?
Once a day
Once a week
Once a month
Once a year

 Search in the World Poetry Database => 

 Search:   in:      tips
Hide the search box!

E-MAIL THIS PAGE TO A FRIEND - Found this page interesting? Recommend it to your friend! 
 Your E-mail:  
 Friend's Email:  
   
Your
Message:

 

(c) Poems are the property of their respective owners. All information has been reproduced here for educational and informational purposes to benefit site visitors, and is provided at no charge..  About Us | Copyright notice | Privacy statement | Help
10/6/2008 9:08:03 AM. You Are Here: Notice What This Poem Is Not Doing by William Stafford

Home | Poets | Poems | Lyrics | Music | Quotations | Forum | Search | Random Poem | Free Poetry eBooks | Contests | Sites |
Submit a Poem | Manage Your Poems | Contact Us

Christmas Poems | Love Poems | Pablo Neruda | Death Poems | Sad Poems | Birthday Poems | Wedding Poems | Annabel Lee | Sorry Poems | Winter Poems