A Poetry Reading with Sharon...

I am at a loss for words, in a good way! The success of the recent Tahilla Gatherings events with Sharon Santoni has humbled me. I am still basking in the afterglow. The words will come. Until then, I would love to share this poem, read so eloquently by Sharon in the wee hours of the morning with our pup, Tani, by her side. They were foraging for foliage for the beautiful tablescape she created later in the day. I am grateful for her connection with this particular poem along our Poetry Trail. A past Tahilla Gatherings guest, Jeanne C., read it to the group at the close of our event in 2019. It has been a favorite ever since.

Wherever you go…

 Starting here, what do you want to remember?

How sunlight creeps along a shining floor?

What scent of old wood hovers, what softened

sound from outside fills the air?

 Will you ever bring a better gift for the world

than the breathing respect that you carry

wherever you go right now? Are you waiting

for time to show you some better thoughts?

 When you turn around, starting here, lift this

new glimpse that you found; carry into evening

all that you want from this day. This interval you spent

reading or hearing this, keep it for life -

 What can anyone give you greater than now,

starting here, right in this room, when you turn around?

 William Edgar Stafford

1914-1993

Please feel free to pass this post along, share as you like. Perhaps it will inspire you to read it at your own Thanksgiving table. What better gift, starting here, at this moment…to share the gratitude for life.

Wishing my American soulmates a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday and to my soulmates scattered around the world, may you have a blessed day. I am grateful to you all.

Jeanne xx