Some time when the river is ice ask me
mistakes I have made. Ask me whether
what I have done is my life. Others
have come in their slow way into
my thought, and some have tried to help
or to hurt: ask me what difference
their strongest love or hate has made.
I will listen to what you say.
You and I can turn and look
at the silent river and wait. We know
the current is there, hidden; and there
are comings and goings from miles away
that hold the stillness exactly before us.
What the river says, that is what I say.
I agree with Julie Reynolds- Otrugman.....what she said... six stars and three thumbs up
if you asking me I think you should've kys yourself before you died bc you depressed af cuz
yes, so meaningful is this poem. swift river so is time listen to the river
The poem prompts introspection, urging us to consider our past choices and the impact of others on our life's journey. The best poem I ever read of the poet
The poet invites readers to inquire about his life, experiences, and memories. He addresses them directly, ready to listen attentively and respond. He uses the metaphor of a frozen river to symbolize life and aging.A thought-provoking poem!
Some have tried to hurt me and some have tried to help. Ask me what difference they made. I love that line if you are human you understand the line.5 stars for me n
This is one of my favorite Stafford poems. It speaks to his quiet inner stillness, out of which his conviction, his steadfastness, his mysteriously reserved and resonant poetry speaks. 'Ask me whether what I have done is my life.' That is such a powerful statement. All of his many honors really meant very little. It was the rich pool of his hidden inner life, forever changing and renewing, that was 'his life'. I love that idea. It says that what you can see about a person is only the tip of the iceberg; the real life is submerged and sacred, untouchable, eternal.