Keeping Things Whole Poem by Mark Strand

Keeping Things Whole

Rating: 4.4


In a field
I am the absence
of field.
This is
always the case.
Wherever I am
I am what is missing.

When I walk
I part the air
and always
the air moves in
to fill the spaces
where my body's been.

We all have reasons
for moving.
I move
to keep things whole.

COMMENTS OF THE POEM
Fabrizio Frosini 28 May 2016

in Italian: 'Tenere le cose insieme' In un campo Io sono l'assenza del campo. E' sempre così. Ovunque io sia Sono ciò che manca. Quando cammino sposto e separo l'aria e sempre l'aria rientra a riempire lo spazio che il mio corpo occupava. Tutti noi abbiamo motivi per spostarci. Io mi muovo per tenere le cose insieme.

25 0 Reply
Susan Williams 27 October 2015

He both believes in keeping it simple [simple words, simple phrases, no meter, no rhyme], and making it as deep and surreal and overflowing with meaning as possible. It's like he has a split personality... come to think about it, so do we all.

19 0 Reply
Savita Tyagi 27 October 2015

Defining what can't be defined! Poetry at its best.

7 0 Reply
Rahman Henry 27 October 2015

Excellent thought. Indeed, poetry is the beauty of thought.

6 0 Reply
Seema Jayaraman 27 October 2015

Profound...When I walk I part the air and always the air moves in to fill the spaces where my body's been.. Nature works so hard to keep things whole.. thanks for sharing

5 1 Reply
M. Asim Nehal 09 May 2023

This is the classic example of a simple poem, use of words are common and simple yet it leave great impact on the readers. The truth lies in the simplicity.

0 0 Reply
Michael Walker 27 July 2019

This a poem of depth of meaning, although it seems simple. A fine poet of modern times.

1 0 Reply
Rajnish Manga 23 January 2018

I have enjoyed reading this fine piece of poetry yet again. The profoundness of the subject inspired me to translate it in Hindi way back- on Dec 5,2016. Thanks.

1 0 Reply
Savita Tyagi 23 January 2018

This I wether He parts the air or moves us is certainly the One whole in itself and keeps the field whole too. Enjoyed this excellent poetic intake of Upanishadic philosophy.

1 0 Reply
Susan Williams 23 January 2018

I like this even more than I liked it when I first commented on it. Teaches us how simple words can carry an impressive impact and meaningfulness.

4 0 Reply
Mark Strand

Mark Strand

Prince Edward Island, Canada
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